- 
• 


WESTBROOK  PARSONAGE. 


BT 


HARRIET  B.  M'KEEVER, 


AUTHOR  Of 

•«*!..<•    THREADS,"    "CHILDREN   WITH    THE   PO«T».f.   •' 

•'WEDDING,"  tiu.,«i«. 


•  Sir,  we  would  *.*  J« 


i  r  (!   Edition 


NEW  YORK : 

HURST  &  COMPANY,  PUBLISHERS, 
122  NASSAU  STREET. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congres*.  ..i  the  TOW  ISflB   s« 

CLAXTON,  REMSEN  *  HAFFELFINGEH 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Ltotnct  Ooui  t  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Eastern  District  of  Penne\  Ivania. 


PREFACE. 


TO  THE  CRITICS. 

rPHE  writer  of  this  volume  is  fully  aware  mm 
-*-  severely  these  pages  may  be  criticized  in  the 
heated  state  of  feeling  in  our  beloved  Church  on 
subjects  of  such  momentous  importance  as  those 
which  now  agitate  her  very  depths.  The  advocates 
of  Ritualism  spare  no  pains  in  seeking  to  propagate 
their  doctrines,  and  employ  music,  sensuous  display, 
and  the  press,  to  spread  the  old  superstitions.  While 
there  are  many  writers  of  tracts,  stories,  and  hymns 
on  one  side  of  the  controversy,  the  writer  has  met 
with  nothing  in  the  shape  of  a  story,  touching  these 
subjects,  on  the  other.  It  is  not  likely  that  young 
persons  will  read  controversial  articles ;  but  it  may 
be  that  a  story  embodying  Protestant  truth  will 
interest  many  youthful  readers,  and  lead  them  to 
read  more  deeply  works  that  will  enlighten  the 
understanding  and  strengthen  their  faith,  in  the 
great  religious  issues  of  the  day. 

T 

2047377 


VI  PREFACE. 

The  writer  has  endeavored  to  deal  with  doctrines 
and  not  men,  and  trusts  that  no  severe  impugning  of 
human  motives  can  be  found  upon  these  pages.  It 
is  a  cause  of  too  much  sorrow  for  bitterness ;  but  the 
time  has  come  when  we  must  answer  the  question, 
"Shall  we,  Christians  of  the  nineteenth  century, 
have  fossils  or  a  living  Church  ?  " 

Aware  that  this  volume  must  pass  the  ordeal  of 
the  Church  press,  one  request  alone  is  made,  and 
that  is:  Spare  the  character  of  Dr.  Hastings;  for  it 
is  a  picture  of  a  holy  man  of  God,  who,  thirty-five 
years  ago,  passed  to  his  eternal  rest,  leaving  behind 
memories  fresh  and  green  in  the  hearts  of  parish- 
ioners who  yet  survive.  In  these  pages,  an  attempt 
has  been  made  to  show  how  that  great  and  good 
man  would  have  dealt  with  questions  such  as  now 
agitate  the  Church  that  we  love. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

tMI 

i  MILESTONE  IN  LIFE'S  PILGRIMAGE ,      9 

CHAPTER  II. 
ST.  BARNABAS' 22 

CHAPTER  III. 
FATHER  MORGAN 43 

CHAPTER  IV. 
LITTLE  FOXES 64 

CHAPTER  V. 
FRAGRANCE 69 

CHAPTER  VI. 
SOWING  BESIDE  ALL  WATERS 81 

CHAPTER  VII. 
BETHANY 94 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
THE  ADIRONDACK^ 104 

CHAPTER  IX. 
THE  PASTOR'S  AID 127 

CHAPTER  X. 
ONE  OF  THE  FLOCK  SMITTEN 140 

CHAPTER  XI. 
ENOLESBY  TERRACE 149 

CHAPTER  XII. 
CHSISTMAS  AT  ST.  BARNABAS' 164 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XIH.  ,A« 

A  SPIRITUAL  HARVEST 176 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
ALICB... 190 

CHAPTER  XV. 
EMMAUS 207 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
SHACKLES  versut  FREEDOM 221 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
THE  MISSION  OVER  THE  HILL 239 

CHAPTER   XVIII. 
A  VEIL  AT  ST.  GREGORY'S 261 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
WINOS  AT  ST.  BARNABAS' 261 

CHAPTER  XX. 
EASTER  MORNING 270 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
BECKONINO  FINOEBS 279 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
"CHARGE,  CHESTER,  CHARGE!" 294 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
MUFFLED  BELLS 306 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 
TH«  PASCHAL  Moos 320 

CHAPTER   XXV. 
SDNRISE  838 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
BBCNIOH 862 


WESTBROOK  PARSONAGE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

A   MILE-STONE  IN   LIFE'S   PILGRIMAGE. 

"And  this  stone,  which  I  have  set  for  a  pillar,  shall  be  God's  house." 

IT  is  an  early  morning  hour :  a  carriage  is  standing 
before  the  door  of  one  of  the  merchant-palaces  of 
the  great  metropolis :  several  handsome  trunks  strapped 
behind  indicate  a  journey ;  and  in  a  few  minutes,  ayoung 
lady  in  travelling  costume  appears  at  the  door,  accom- 
panied by  a  gentleman  in  clerical  garb. 

There  is  a  serious  expression  on  the  sweet,  young  face, 
and  large  tears  are  in  the  dark  gray  eyes,  for  Emily 
Warren  has  bidden  adieu  to  home,  parents,  brothers,  and 
sisters,  and  is  about  to  enter  upon  a  new  life,  as  the  wife 
of  a  minister  in  a  rural  district,  about  a  half-day's  jour- 
ney from  her  home. 

The  mother  and  sisters  are  standing  behind  the  cur- 
tains of  the  drawing-room  windows,  looking  out  for  the 
last  time  at  the  young  bride.  Servants  are  in  the  hall, 


10  WE6TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

and  Mr.  Warren  is  handing  his  daughter  into  the  car- 
riage. 

"God  bless  you,  my  child,"  said  the  father,  as  he 
stood  a  moment  on  the  pavement.  "  Be  tender,  Ed- 
ward ;  she  is  a  good  daughter,  and  has  never  known  anj 
hardship." 

"  With  God's  help,  I  trust  that  I  may,"  was  the  reply. 

"  We  must  be  quick,  sir,"  said  the  driver,  "  or  we 
shall  miss  the  train." 

Closing  the  door  hastily,  the  carnage  drove  off,  con- 
veying the  young  couple  to  the  cars  which  would  lead 
them  to  Westbrook  Parsonage. 

"  That  is  a  sacrifice,  mamma,"  said  Gertrude  Warren, 
as  she  seated  herself  upon  the  sofa.  "  I  cannot  under- 
stand Emily.  Think  what  she  has  rejected  for  that 
country  parson — a  house  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  a  carriage 
and  pair,  a  country-seat,  and  every  luxury  that  heart 
can  wish ! " 

"I  agree  with  you,  my  daughter,"  was  the  reply; 
"  but  ever  since  Emily  has  been  attending  at  Dr.  Wood- 
ville's  church,  she  has  been  a  complete  enthusiast,  and 
here  she  has  thrown  away  her  youth,  beauty,  and  talenta 
upon  an  obscure  minister,  a  mere  nobody.'1 

How  little  could  these  worldly  spirits  understand  the 
purity  and  holiness  of  the  tie  which  united  the  young 
pair,  nor  the  simple-hearted  piety  which  led  Emily 
Warren  to  choose  what  seemed  to  them  a  lot  so  humble 
—  to  her,  so  high  and  holy. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  11 

The  Warrens  were  members  of  a  fashionable  church, 
tfhere  sacramentarian  theology  was  proclaimed  from  the 
pulpit,  and  mingled  as  much  with  its  services  as  the 
Prayer  Book  seemed  to  allow ;  for  in  those  days  rever- 
ence for  its  hallowed  forms  exceeded  what  was  accorded 
to  the  Word  of  God ;  and  there  were  many  who,  follow- 
ing the  teachings  of  Newman  and  Pusey,  were  ready  to 
build  the  structure  of  mere  formalism  on  the  one  word 
so  unfortunately  retained  in  some  of  our  offices  by  the 
early  Reformers ;  for  that  word  priest  seems  to  have  been 
the  fruitful  seed  out  of  which  has  sprung  all  that  ^as 
followed  since  those  early  days. 

Let  once  the  idea  of  a  sacrificing  priest  prevail,  then 
must  follow  the  altar,  the  sacrifice,  the  adoration,  abso- 
lution, and  salvation  through  a  human  priesthood. 

And  this  was  all  taught  at  the  Church  of  St.  Agapius, 
where  there  was  much  to  attract  the  worldly :  fine  music, 
and  a  showy  church,  but  none  of  that  holy  unction  of 
the  Spirit  which  renders  the  gospel  precious  and  power- 
ful ;  for  it  was  not  in  the  ministry  at  St.  Agapius ;  and  to 
such  the  Spirit  bore  no  witness. 

Christmas  came,  with  its  bright  evergreens  and  in- 
spiring music — Lent,  with  its  sackcloth  and  ashes,  when 
there  was  a  great  hurrying  up  of  parties  aid  balls  be- 
fore the  season ;  then  came  the  fasting  and  daily  service, 
to  be  followed  by  greater  worldliness  when  what  had 
been  observed  as  a  penance  had  been  rigidly  performed. 
Blaster,  too,  came  with  all  its  high  and  holy  hopes,  but 


12  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

where  the  glory  of  the  Master  was  hidden  behind  a  veil 
of  mystic  theology :  there  was  no  real  Christ-life,  no  vital 
union  effected  by  faith  only  in  the  crucified  Lord. 

Such  teachings  had  satisfied  all  of  this  household  but 
Emily  Warren,  who  had  often  felt  a  longing  for  a  deeper 
and  a  holier  life ;  but  there  was  nothing  here  to  guide 
the  young  inquirer. 

The  annual  Confirmation  was  approaching:  Emily 
heard  the  notice  —  she  was  then  sixteen,  and  felt  that 
the  call  was  to  her.  Carefully  she  read  the  service,  and 
saw  that  there  must  be  something  more  than  a  mere 
form  in  the  vow  which  promised  to  renounce  "  all  the 
vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the  world,  with  all  covetous  de- 
sires of  the  same,  and  the  sinful  desires  of  the  flesh,  and 
to  lead  a  sober,  righteous,  and  godly  life," 

With  trembling  steps,  she  sought  her  pastor's  study, 
expecting  to  be  questioned  thoroughly  as  to  her  experi- 
ence of  the  great  moral  change. 

But  all  that  Dr.  Thurlow  asked  was  literally  her 
knowledge  of  the  Creed,  the  Lord's  Prayer,  the  Ten 
Commandments,  and  the  Church  Catechism  —  nothing 
that  answered  to  the  cravings  of  an  awakened  spirit,  no 
pointing  to  the  blessed  Saviour,  no  words  of  earnest  pas- 
toral prayer. 

Her  name  was  registered  among  the  candidates,  and 
Emily  returned  to  her  home  still  more  deeply  convinced 
than  ever  that  the  Christ-life  meant  something  more 
than  that. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  13 

For  she  was  an  earnest  student  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, and  there  she  read  of  the  new  birth  of  "  Christ 
within,  the  hope  of  glory,"  of  the  "new  creature  in  Christ 
Jesus,"  of  a  "  life  hidden  with  Christ  in  God." 

She  felt  that  she  had  committed  herself  to  a  very 
solemn  step ;  and,  as  the  day  approached,  the  fear  of 
taking  a  false  vow  increased,  until  the  agitation  of  her 
mind  preyed  upon  her  frame,  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
confirmation,  in  attempting  to  dress  for  church,  several 
times  she  was  compelled  to  lie  down  from  weakness, 
until  utter  inability  obliged  her  to  give  up  the  idea  of 
presenting  herself  among  the  candidates  on  that  occa- 
sion. 

About  this  time,  a  young  friend,  formerly  a  member 
of  the  same  school  with  herself,  called  to  renew  a 
previous  acquaintance.  Emily  soon  found  that  she  had 
met  with  a  congenial  spirit;  for  Mary  Cruthers,  like 
herself,  was  a  seeker  after  truth,  and  attended  upon 
the  ministry  of  Dr.  Woodville. 

To  one  of  his  evening  lectures  Emily  accompanied 
her  friend.  No  priestly  arrogance  marked  the  deport- 
ment of  that  good  pastor ;  for  he  did  not  imagine  that 
he  bore  about  with  him  the  power  of  forgiving  sins,  or 
the  still  more  solemn  power  of  dispensing  the  real  body 
and  blood  of  Christ.  A  shepherd  to  lead  to  the  still 
waters,  a  guide  to  point  the  way  to  heaven,  a  father  to 
sympathize  with  the  trials  of  his  people,  an  ambassador 

for  Christ  —  this  was  Dr.  Woodville. 
2 


14  WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

Emily  Warren  felt  especially  drawn  toward  the 
serene  and  holy  countenance,  the  sweet,  persuasive 
tones  of  Christian  love,  and  when  the  whole  congre- 
gation joined  in  singing 

"  0 !    happy  is  the  man  who  hears 
Religion's  warning  voice," 

she  felt,  "  This  is  my  Christian  home,  here  are  the  paw- 
tures  where  I  must  feed." 

Great  opposition  was  made  at  home;  but,  after  a 
year's  patient  waiting,  consent  was  given  that  she  should 
join  the  flock  that  worshipped  at  St.  Matthias' ;  and  when 
the  next  confirmation  season  arrived,  it  was  with  very 
different  feelings  that  she  bowed  beside  Mary  Cruthers, 
to  take  upon  her  young  and  ardent  soul  real  Christian 
vows,  with  an  intelligent  understanding  of  what  she  was 
about  to  do.  It  was  a  solemn  Sunday  morning,  and  the 
occasion  was  one  not  soon  forgotten. 

About  fifty  candidates  presented  themselves  for  that 
holy  ordinance.  Seated  in  the  front  pews,  the  aged  and 
the  young,  in  simple  garb,  with  reverential  aspect,  they 
assumed  these  deeply  solemn  vows  ;  and  from  that  holy 
day,  Emily's  course  was  onward  and  upward  in  her 
Christian  life. 

In  this  church  connection,  she  formed  the  acquaint- 
ance of  the  Rev.  Edward  Hastings  ;  and,  after  a  season 
of  determined  and  protracted  opposition,  the  father  was 
the  first  to  yield,  until,  at  length,  she  was  permitted  to 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  15 

follow  the  bent  of  her  own  inclinations  in  the  choice  of 
a  partner  for  life. 

Back  again  to  this  mile-stone  in  her  young  pilgrimage, 
we  will  return  to  the  travellers  on  their  way  to  West- 
brook.  Their  road  lay  through  a  tame  and  uninterest- 
ing country,  until  toward  the  close  of  their  journey, 
when  hill  and  dale  appeared  before  them,  and  touches 
of  beauty  peeped  out  now  and  then  upon  the  landscape. 

Leaving  small  towns  behind,  clumps  of  forest-trees 
dressed  in  their  early  spring  robes  appeared — bright  car- 
pets of  the  same  fresh  color  covered  the  fields,  where  the 
young  lambs  sported  in  their  innocent  joy  —  the  clouds, 
through  the  early  part  of  the  day  chased  over  the  hea- 
vens in  sweeps  of  long,  feathery  forms,  toward  evening 
piling  themselves  up  in  banks  of  snowy  cumuli,  the  sum- 
mits of  which  reflected  the  rays  of  the  declining  sun, 
looking  like  glistening  mountains  of  snow. 

Suddenly  above  the  trees  appeared  a  church-spire, 
glittering  in  the  sunlight.  "There  is  Westbrook, 
Emily,"  said  the  husband,  "  and  that  is  the  spire  of  St. 
Barnabas'." 

"  I  am  so  glad  that  the  church-spire  is  the  first  object 
that  I  see,  Edward  ;  it  looks  so  like  a  haven  of  rest,  al- 
ways pointing  upward" to  our  real  home." 

"May  that  thought  ever  be  present,  Emily.  That 
church-spire  is  a  very  dear  object  to  me,  for  I  am  so 
completely  wedded  to  the  people  of  St.  Barnabas',  that  1 
feel  as  if  my  earthly  ministry  should  begin  and  end 


16  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

here.  Let  this  sacred  object  mark  the  first  mile-stone  in 
our  union." 

The  young  bride  was  looking  at  everything  now 
through  Claude-Lorraine  glasses,  for  the  prospect  of  a 
Christian  home,  with  a  congenial  spirit,  where  there 
would  be  freedom  to  serve  her  Master,  flooded  her  young 
heart  with  happiness,  and,  viewed  through  such  a  rosy 
medium,  everything  wore  a  look  of  beauty. 

"  What  pretty  rural  lanes,  Edward !  and  what  neat 
little  cottages !  I  suppose  that  piety  flourishes  here." 

The  husband  smiled  as  he  replied,  "  Unfortunately, 
the  same  carnal  enmity  is  found  here  as  in  the  city,  and 
I  fear  that  many  of  your  pretty  pictures  will  dissolve 
when  you  draw  nearer.  But  there  are,  nevertheless, 
many  lovely  examples  of  piety  among  the  people." 

Just  then  the  cars  stopped  at  the  depot,  where  Dr. 
Lacey's  carriage  was  in  waiting,  and  soon  they  were 
rolling  on  through  rural  streets,  where  beautiful  modern 
houses,  surrounded  by  tasteful  pleasure-grounds,  greeted 
the  travellers.  Turning  somewhat  out  of  the  more  pub- 
lic streets,  they  came  in  sight  of  the  loveliest  part  of 
Westbrook. 

"  There,  Edward !  that  is  the  house  that  I  admire," 
said  Emily,  as  she  directed  his  attention  toward  an  old 
graystone  house,  with  five  gables,  windows  with  small 
panes,  and  a  long  piazza  stretching  across  the  front  of 
the  house.  On  one  side  smiled  a  flower-garden ;  on  the 
other  a  fruit  orchard,  separating  the  house  from  a  gray- 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  17 

stone  church,  embowered  in  a  grove  of  grand,  old  trees. 
In  front  lay  a  tine  lawn,  with  well-kept  shrubbery ; 
and  back,  the  vegetable  garden,  joining  a  field  which 
sloped  down  to  a  creek  winding  its  way  between  green, 
shady  banks,  bordered  with  bushes  and  trees  dipping 
their  bending  branches  into  the  transparent  waters  of 
the  stream.  Trees  that  looked  a  century  old  shaded  the 
back  of  the  house,  and  two  of  the  noblest  towered  up  in 
front. 

The  minister  enjoyed  the  pleasure  that  beamed  in  his 
young  wife's  countenance,  and  remarked,  with  a  smile, 
"That  is  Westbrook  parsonage,  Emily,  and  there  is  St. 
Barnabas'." 

"  That  is  indeed  delightful :  it  looks  exactly  as  if  it 
were  an  old  country-house,  and  those  modern  dwellings 
had  all  crept  gradually  around." 

"  That  is  just  so,  Emily ;  but  we  shall  always  have 
these  pleasant  grounds,  and  that  will  be  a  little  taste  of 
the  country  still." 

The  carriage  is  at  the  gate  now,  and  a  respectable 
middle-aged  woman,  with  her  clean,  white  apron  and 
thin  muslin  cap,  is  standing  on  the  piazza,  waiting  for 
the  party.  It  is  Debby,  a  faithful  family-servant,  who 
has  lived  with  Mrs.  Warren  all  her  married  life,  and 
who  has  now  come  to  take  charge  of  Miss  Emily's 
kitchen. 

"  You  are  welcome  home,  Miss  Emily,"  said  the  wo- 
man ;  and  then,  correcting  herself,  added,  "  It  will  be  a 
2»  B 


18  WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE. 

long  time,  I  am  afraid,  before  I  can  call  you  any 
thing  else,  ma'am  ;  for  it  seems  only  yesterday  that  ] 
used  to  rock  you  to  sleep,  and  now  you  are  a  married 
lady." 

"  We  are  a  little  tired,  Debby.  I  hope  that  supper  is 
ready,"  said  the  husband. 

"It  has  been  waiting- for  half  an  hour,  sir;  but  shall 
I  show  you  to  your  room,  Mrs.  Hastings  ?  "  and  leading 
them  up  the  stainvay  that  led  directly  from  the  hall, 
the  young  lady  soon  found  herself  in  her  own  room, 
which,  with  the  parlor,  had  been  newly  furnished  by  her 
parents  in  a  neat  and  comfortable  manner. 

"I  will  show  you  through  the  house  on  Monday, 
ma'am,"  said  Debby.  "  I  have  tried  to  arrange  every- 
thing as  well  as  I  could.  There  is  a  good  lot  of  old 
furniture,  but  I  have  cleaned  it  all  up,  and  it  looks  quite 
decent,  though  a  little  different  from  the  Fifth  Avenue." 

"  Everything  is  delightful  to  me,  Debby.  It  is  such 
a  nice  old  country-house,  and  such  fine  trees  and  pretty 
grounds — and  then  so  near  the  church,  that  I  am  quite 
happy." 

After  tea,  the  pastor  led  his  wife  into  a  small  room 
on  one  side  of  the  hall,  where  a  low  porch  led  out  into 
the  apple-orchard. 

"  This  is  your  own  apartment,  Emily.  I  believe  every 
ihing  is  here  that  you  valued,  even  to  the  carpet  in  your 
own  room  at  home." 

It  was  filled  with  birthday  and  holiday  gifts  from 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  19 

dear  friends  ;  and  Emily  looked  around  with  a  grateful 
heart  and  swimming  eyes. 

There  were  her  rosewood  work-table,  her  pretty  secre- 
tary, her  Chinese  cabinet  that  contained  so  many  arti- 
cles of  taste,  her  own  lounge,  her  rocking  and  her  sew- 
ing chair,  all  the  pictures  that  she  valued,  and  many 
little  statuettes  and  rich  vases  that  adorned  her  own 
room  at  home,  and,  added  to  all,  a  larger  chair  for  an- 
other occupant. 

"  That  is  yours,  Edward ;  pray  be  seated,"  said  the 
happy  bride.  "  Now,  this  is  really  home.  I  hope  that 
[  shall  often  see  you  in  that  chair." 

"  Another  glimpse  through  a  Claude-Lorraine.  There 
is  not  much  lounging  time  in  a  minister's  life,  Emily. 
This  bower  of  ease  is  very  inviting,  but  one  who  has  the 
care  of  souls  has  not  much  rest  upon  earth.  This  pleas- 
ant bower  looks  very  much  like  the  one  where  Bunyan's 
Christian  lost  his  roll." 

"I  will  never  interfere  with  your  duties,  Edward, 
f  ou  are  the  Lord's  servant,  and,  by  the  grace  of  God,  I 
will  help,  not  hinder." 

"  This  evening,  however,  I  am  at  your  disposal  for 
an  hour  or  two.  Suppose  that  we  walk  out  into  the 
orchard." 

It  is  Easter-eve,  and  the  bright  paschal  moon  is  shim- 
mering through  the  leafy  branches,  shedding  a  flood  of 
silvery  light  upon  the  church  windows  and  aloug  the 
soft  grass  of  the  fragrant  orchard. 


20  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Seating  themselves  in  the  summer-house  at  the  other 
end,  through  the  openings  of  the  branches,  they  watched 
the  pale  moon  sailing  on  so  quietly  through  the  cloudless 
sky. 

"I  wonder  if  it  shone  upon  the  new  tomb  in  the 
garden  of  Joseph  of  Ariinathea,  eighteen  hundred  years 
ago,"  said  Emily.  "  It  seems  so  associated  with  our 
most  sacred  hopes  that  it  always  leads  me  back  to  that 
first  resurrection,  and  forward,  Edward,  to  our  own." 

"  Just  so  it  affects  my  mind,  Emily.  This  is  indeed  a 
mile-stone  in  our  pilgrimage,  and  I  think  Easter-eve 
will  ever  be  remembered  with  reference  to  this  one  in 
our  mortal  life." 

Crossing  the  stile  leading  into  the  field  adjoining, 
they  made  their  way  down  to  the  creek  bordering  that 
side  of  Westbrook,  so  secluded  among  such  thick  and 
heavy  shade  that  one  could  scarcely  realize  that  a  short 
walk  could  lead  to  a  place  inhabited  by  so  large  a 
population. 

Seated  on  its  grassy  bank,  they  communed  together  of 
the  things  of  a  better  world,  and  of  that  blessed  time 
when  sin  should  be  banished  forever,  and  the  reign  of 
holiness  be  perpetual  on  the  ransomed  earth. 

Happy,  blessed  union  thus  commenced  below,  to  be 
made  perfect  forever  in  heaven  ! 

Their  household  consisted  of  four :  a  young  girl, 
named  Jane,  to  assist  Debby,  with  husband  and  wife. 
On  their  return,  at  the  sound  of  the  bell,  this  little  group 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  21 

assembled  in  the  parlor,  and  there  Edward  Hastings 
dedicated  his  family  to  God. 

Emily  had  fine  musical  talents,  and,  seated  at  the  par- 
lor organ,  she  led  the  music  of  the  household,  singing 
the  good  old  hymn  which  has  formed  the  evening  wor- 
ship of  so  many  saints  now  in  glory : 

"  Glory  to  thee,  my  God,  this  night, 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  light;    . 
Keep  me,  oh  !  keep  me,  King  of  kings, 
TTnder  thine  own  almighty  wings." 

Doubtless  some  of  the  winged  messengers  of  the  hea- 
venly host  descended  that  night  to  watch  over  the  in- 
habitants of  Westbrook  Parsonage,  for  are  they  not  all 
ministering  spirits,  sent  to  minister  for  them  who  shall 
be  heirs  of  salvation  ? 

"  I  must  leave  you  awhile,  Emily,"  said  the  young 
minister,  "  to  make  some  preparation  for  to-morrow,  for 
the  people  will  look  for  the  Easter  sermon." 


CHAPTER  IL 

• 

ST.  BARNABAS'. 

"  And  daily  in  the  temple,  and  in  every  house,  they  ceased  not  t« 
teach  and  preach  Jesus  Christ." 

TOASTER  morning,  the  queen  of  days  —  for  thus  it 
J-J  appeared  to  Emily  Hastings,  as  she  stood  at  her 
chamber  window,  inhaling  the  delightful  fragrance 
stealing  in  from  the  delicate  apple-blossoms,  and  listen- 
ing to  the  carolling  of  the  sweet  spring  birds !  The  at- 
mosphere was  full  of  the  resurrection  melody ;  it  seemed 
as  though  the  kiss  of  peace  rested  upon  cloud  and  tree 
and  flower  —  it  certainly  had  left  its  impress  upon  the 
calm  and  holy  countenance  that  turned  to  speak  to  her 
husband. 

'"Brother,  Christ  has  risen;'  that  was  a  beautiful 
custom  of  the  early  Christians,  Edward,  on  Easter 
morning :  it  seems  as  if  every  human  creature  should 
echo  the  sentiment." 

"Yes,  Emily,  the  bursting  buds,  the  sweet,  fresh 
green,  the  smiling  sky,  all  are  eloquent  in  their  declara- 
tion of  this  holy  truth  ;  for  not  long  since,  dreariness 
and  cold  and  death  seemed  to  reign,  but  now  all  is 

typical  of  the  coming  glory." 

22 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  23 

It  was  with  full  hearts  that  the  little  family  sang  their 
Easter  hymn  on  that  hallowed  morning. 

All  was  new  to  Debby,  for  the  religion  of  the  Warren 
household  seemed  to  have  very  little  to  do  with  the 
family,  and  there  was  no  domestic  altar  there ;  but  here, 
everything  appeared  linked  with  another  world,  and 
none  could  quite  forget  beneath  this  roof  that  they  were 
immortals. 

The  young  wife  made  her  first  appearance  at  church 
on  that  holy  day,  and  as  she  moved  so  reverentially  up 
the  aisle  upon  her  husband's  arm,  dressed  in  the  simple 
costume  of  a  Christian  lady,  feelings  of  involuntary 
respect  followed  the  stranger,  whose  whole  deportment 
seemed  to  say,  "  The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple." 

The  church  was  an  old  building,  with  none  of  the 
modern  decorations ;  but  there  was  an  air  of  solemnity 
around  the  capacious  chancel,  where  the  communion 
table,  and  not  the  altar,  occupied  the  chief  place.  The 
reading-desk  and  pulpit  were  both  draped  with  crimson 
velvet,  and  the  chancel  and  aisles  carpeted  with  the 
same  warm  color.  The  music  was  everything  that  a 
devotional  spirit  could  desire,  and  such  as  enabled  the 
worshippers  to  join  in  this  delightful  part  of  the  church 
service. 

The  Easter  sentences  were  sung  with  touching  effect, 
and  the  time-honored  service  of  the  old  Prayer  Book 
was  prayed  — neither  read  in  a  drawling,  lifeless  manner, 
nor  intoned  in  mumbling  accents  that  none  could  uu 


24  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

derstand ;  but  earnestly,  devoutly  prayed.  Edward 
Hastings  loved  the  Master  that  its  sacred  services  re- 
vealed, and  the  heart  meant  and  felt  the  power  of  spir- 
itual worship.  The  deep  devotion  of  his  own  spirit 
raised  the  tone  of  the  worshippers,  and  Emily  felt  that 
her  lot  had  indeed  been  cast  in  one  of  the  "  heavenly 
places  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Then  the  sermon  was  so  impressive  —  full  of  Christ 
and  his  resurrection,  replete  with  practical  teachings ; 
for  his  whole  ministry  was  such  as  exalted  Christ,  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church.  Around  Jesus  only,  re- 
volved all  the  hopes  and  joys  and  labors  of  the  people 
of  St.  Barnabas'. 

There  were  several  notices  read,  which  declared  the 
activity  of  this  busy  hive  of  earnest  workers  —  an  even- 
ing lecture,  a  mothers'  meeting,  and  cottage  services ; 
so  that  Emily  felt  that  "  daily  in  the  temple  and  in  every 
house  "  her  husband  "  ceased  not  "to  teach  and  to  preach 
Jesus  Christ." 

Then  the  communion  was  so  sweet,  so  solemn ;  the 
singing  of  the  Trisagion  so  elevating  —  for  was  she  not 
really  singing  "  with  angels  and  archangels "  ?  —  was 
Bhe  not  truly  worshipping  "with  all  the  company  of 
heaven"?  A  very  thin  veil  separated  the  church  mili- 
tant from  the  church  triumphant.  Who  knows  how 
near  the  heavenly  worshippers  may  be  on  these  com- 
munion days? 

The  tone  of  her  spirit  inclined  her  to  avoid  intro 


WESTBRGOK     PARSONAGE.  25 

d  action  after  service,  but  many  a  pleasant  smile  of 
welcome  passed  over  the  faces  of  numbers  who  recog- 
nized the  young  rector's  wife  now  as  one  of  the  flock 
of  St.  Barnabas'.  But  there  were  censorious  tongues 
here  as  elsewhere ;  and  we  will  follow  two,  who,  even 
from  the  feast  of  love,  indulged  in  this  miserable  prac- 
tice. 

"Did  you  take  notice  of  the  lace  shawl  and  the 
handsome  silk  dress  that  Mrs.  Hastings  wore,  Hetty?" 
said  Miss  Prudence  White. 

"  Yes,  indeed ;  and  the  tasty  little  bonnet,  too,"  was 
the  reply.  "I  am  afraid  that  our  minister's  wife  is 
decidedly  worldly.  There  is  no  one  at  Westbrook  who 
has  such  a  rich  shawl  as  that.  She  will  need  some  one 
to  tell  her  what  is  expected  of  the  pastor's  wife." 

"  I  have  heard  that  her  father  is  one  of  the  wealthy 
merchants  of  New  York,  and  that  she  has  been  brought 
up  in  great  extravagance." 

"  That  will  not  do  for  "Westbrook,"  replied  Miss  Hetty. 
"  The  minister's  salary  will  never  support  such  articles 
of  taste." 

"  I  wonder  that  Mr.  Hastings  did  not  make  a  choice 
from  among  the  young  people  of  his  own  flock.  I  had 
often  hinted  to  him  about  Mary  Lacey  or  Sarah  Hart- 
well,  but  he  only  smiled." 

We  will  take  leave  of  the  ladies,  and  return  to  the 
unconscious  subject  of  these  remarks.  She  has  folded 
up  her  handsome  lace  shawl,  the  wedding-gift  of  her 


26  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

mother,  without  one  thought  of  its  offensive  character 
changed  her  silk  dress  for  a  muslin  wrapper ;  and,  with 
a  heart  filled  with   love  for  her  husband's   flock,  has 
joined  him  in  the  parlor. 

"  How  is  it  that  you  have  such  delightful  music, 
Edward  ? "  inquired  the  lady. 

"  I  am  very  fond  of  sacred  music,  Emily,  and  espe- 
cially watchful  of  my  choir,  every  member  of  which  is 
a  communicant.  I  meet  with  them  weekly,  and  some 
of  my  most  happy  hours  are  spent  on  those  evenings." 

"  It  is  a  pleasant  thought,  Edward,  that  this  most 
delightful  part  of  our  worship  is  not  performed  by 
irreverent  and  worldly  spirits ;  for  I  have  often  wit- 
nessed sad  desecrations  in  city  choirs,  when  seated  with 
Sunday-school  children  in  the  gallery.  I  have  fre- 
quently seen  its  members  eating  in  the  intervals  of  the 
service,  talking  to  each  other,  and,  during  the  sermon, 
seating  themselves  in  groups,  whispering  and  laughing, 
or  leaving  the  choir  for  the  Sunday-school  room,  evi- 
dently no  more  interested  in  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel 
than  the  outsiders  who  desecrate  the  Sabbath  openly." 

"  You  will  never  see  such  a  state  of  things  at  St.  Bar- 
nabas', Emily,  for  I  regard  the  music  as  a  most  important 
part  of  Divine  worship." 

In  the  afternoon,  the  young  stranger  was  introduced 
to  the  Sunday-school,  where  the  marks  of  a  master  mind 
were  manifest  in  the  cheerful  alacrity  with  which  every- 
thing was  conducted  —  the  teachers  in  their  places 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  27 

punctually,  the  children  following  their  example,  a 
bright,  earnest  superintendent,  and  deeply  interested 
classes.  There  were  the  infant  department,  the  Sun- 
day-school, the  Bible-classes,  and  all  the  machinery 
belonging  to  an  efficient  school  in  active  opera- 
tion. 

"Shall  we  hope  for  your  co-operation,  Mrs.  Hast- 
ings?" said  Mr.  Hartwell. 

Emily  glanced  toward  her  husband,  as  she  replied, 
"  I  must  consult  my  husband  as  to  my  post  of  Christian 
duty,  ere  I  make  any  hasty  promises :  it  has  always  been 
one  of  my  chief  pleasures  to  labor  among  the  lambs  of 
the  flock." 

Everywhere  marks  were  seen  of  an  efficient,  earnest 
ministry. 

When  Edward  Hastings  first  took  charge  of  St.  Bai- 
uabas',  it  was  in  a  cold  an  1  lifeless  state,  for  his  prede- 
cessor had  been  a  dull,  formal  preacher,  and  the  congre- 
gation was  then  comparatively  small. 

Dr.  Lisle's  rigid  adherence  to  what  he  deemed  the 
rubrics  of  the  Prayer  Book  had  repelled  newcomers, 
and  kept  back  the  spirit  of  progress. 

The  present  minister  had  been  there  three  years, 
and  great  changes  had  followed  in  his  footsteps.  He 
had  made  a  deliberate  and  intelligent  choice  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  as  his  own,  where  he  delighted  to 
preach  the  Gospel,  as  taught  in  her  precious  articles  of 
faith.  Its  chaste  and  reverent  decorum  appeared  to  be 


28  WESTBEOOK     PARSONAGE. 

most  m  accordance  with  the  simplicity  and  spirituality 
which  should  distinguish  public  worship ;  but  he  saw 
nothing  in  its  rubrics,  or  its  laws,  to  stifle  the  free, 
familiar  breathings  which  should  prevail  in  more  social 
gatherings.  The  beauty  of  its  public  offices  became  as 
it  were  a  part  and  parcel  of  the  current  of  his  devotional 
spirit,  and  made  up  the  golden  tissue  that  tinctured 
all  his  approaches  to  the  Triune  God. 

He  was  not  ashamed  of  the  name  Protestant  Episco- 
pal, for  there  was  no  hankering  after  any  of  the  popish 
practices  that  marred  the  Church  before  the  days  of 
reformation.  He  did  not  consider  those  doctrines  and 
practices  non-essentials  for  which  the  martyrs  died,  and 
loving  his  Church  with  a  pure  and  holy  love,  he  longed 
to  see  her  purged  entirely  of  even  the  appearance  of 
sympathy  with  Rome;  and  therefore  the  word  priest 
always  jarred  upon  his  feelings,  lest  it  should  convey 
false  ideas  of  the  Christian  ministry.  He  knew  that 
purification  must  come,  for  was  she  not  a  branch  of  the 
true  Vine?  and  the  Saviour  has  declared  of  the  Church 
collectively,  as  well  as  of  individual  Christians,  that  He 
"  purgeth  every  branch,  that  it  may  bring  forth  more 
fruit." 

Not  in  vain  had  he  used  the  name  of  Jesus  —  appear- 
ing in  eveiy  prayer,  permeating  every  office,  conspicu- 
ous in  all  the  Articles  and  Homilies  of  the  Church  he 
ioved :  baptized  by  the  Holy  Spirit  into  a  deep  experi- 
ence of  real,  manly  faith,  he  preached  with  power  and 


WESTUR  O  OK     PARSONAGE.  29 

unction  Jesus  all  iu  all,  Jesus  only  as  the  sinner's  hope; 
and  the  Spirit  bore. a  constant  witness  to  the  power  of 
such  a  truly  apostolic  ministry. 

When  he  baptized,  it  was  to  bring  not  simply  to  an 
ordinance,  but  to  Jesus ;  when  presenting  his  spiritual 
children  for  confirmation,  it  was  to  draw  still  nearer  to 
the  Master ;  when  he  administered  the  consecrated  bread 
and  wine,  it  was  to  lead  his  people  as  near  to  Jesus  as 
mortals  could  be  on  this  side  of  heaven ;  and  this  was 
the  apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship  taught  at  St. 
Barnabas'. 

Thus  Edward  Hastings  lived  the  Christ-life  among 
his  people,  and  thus  he  drew  increasing  numbers,  by 
lifting  up,  not  the  Church,  but  the  Cross  as  the  refuge  of 
the  soul.  His  Prayer  Book  had  taught  him  to  value 
above  all  things  the  revealed  word  of  God :  that  was 
first  and  foremost,  as  it  was  God's  —  the  Prayer  Book 
second,  as  it  was  the  work  of  man. 

It  was  his  constant  practice  to  bid  his  people  prove  all 
things  by  the  word  of  God,  and  then  to  hold  fast  to  that 
which  was  truly  good  and  spiritual. 

These  were  the  steps  by  which  he  led  immortal  souls  — 
first,  to  self-abhorrence  at  the  foot  of  Sinai,  then  to  Jesus 
at  the  foot  of  Calvary ;  thence  to  the  Church,  that 
spiritual  home  left  upon  earth  by  the  Saviour,  to  nurture 
his  own  children,  and  not  the  children  of  the  flt»li. 
Thus  he  gathered  around  him  a  company  of  laborer? 
3* 


30  WESTBROCK     PARSONAGE. 

truly  consecrated  to  the  service  of  God,  because  sealed 
by  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God. 

To  the  poor  and  afflicted  he  was  especially  a  minister 
of  consolation,  and  to  the  community  at  large  a  beloved 
and  respected  minister ;  for  he  had  large  and  catholic 
views  toward  all  who  loved  his  Master. 

Every  Sunday  he  repeated  that  article  of  his  faith, 
"  I  believe  in  the  holy  Catholic  Church,  the  communion 
of  saints ; "  and  his  comprehensive  charity  stretched  out 
its  arms  to  all  who  reflected  the  image  of  Jesus  in  their 
daily  lives. 

To  his  spiritual  mind,  this  invisible  army,  throughout 
the  whole  world,  marching  on  to  glory,  composed  the 
band  of  Christian  brotherhood,  and  as  such  his  warm 
heart  loved  them,  and  his  benevolence  co-operated  in  all 
works  of  good  for  man  which  did  not  compromise  his 
fidelity  as  an  Episcopal  minister.  His  evening  lectures 
were  numerously  attended,  not  only  by  his  own  flock, 
but  by  many  .»tl  ers,  who  were  glad  to  enjoy  his  more 
social  meetings  for  worship. 

Railroads  had  of  late  years  brought  Westbrook  so 
near  the  great  metropolis,  that  many  families  made  it 
the  place  of  their  summer  residence,  and  at  that  seasc  n 
the  church  was  crowded  to  its  utmost  capacity.  Here, 
in  this  blessed  home,  Providence  had  cast  the  lot  of  Emily 
Hastings. 

It  is  now  Monday  morning,  and  the  young  wife  is 
walking  after  breakfast  in  the  garden  among  her  flow 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  31 

ers,  stooping  now  and  then  to  pluck  a  lovely  blossom  to 
add  to  her  bouquet  for  the  parlor.  Suddenly,  a  pleasant 
voice  accosts  the  young  .ady : 

"  This  is  Mrs.  Hastings,  is  it  not  ?  "  said  the  visitor, 
standing  by  her  side  in  the  garden  path. 

"  It  is,  madam.    And  my  visitor?" 

"  Mrs.  Lacey,  the  doctor's  wife,  your  nearest  neighbor. 
You  see  that  there  is  a  gate  between  our  gardens,  inti- 
mating that  we  are  open  to  calls  at  any  time.  Your 
good  husband  has  frequently  made  use  of  it,  for  I  have 
tried  to  be  a  mother  in  his  bachelor  estate." 

It  was  an  agreeable  countenance  that  smiled  upon  the 
young  lady.  A  short  figure,  somewhat  inclined  to  stout- 
aess,  and  a  general  appearance  of  health  and  cheerful- 
ness, prepossessed  Emily  at  once  in  her  favor. 

Mrs.  Lacey  held  a  bouquet  of  choice  flowers  in  her 
hand. 

"  I  presume  that  we  are  alike  in  our  love  of  flowers," 
continued  the  lady,  as  she  offered  them  to  Mrs.  Hast- 
ings. 

"  Thank  you,"  replied  the  listener.  "  They  are  really 
lovely !  I  shall  often  come  for  hints  how  to  nurse  my 
own  garden." 

"  Please  remember  the  open  gate,  my  dear.  You  are 
a  new  housekeeper,  and  you  will  always  find  me  ready 
with  motherly  hints,  never  intruding  my  advice." 

"You  are  very  good,  Mrs.  Lacey;  and  I  dare  sa\ 
that  I  shall  often  avail  myself  of  your  kindness," 


32  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"We  are  glad  that  our  young  pastor  has  taken  to 
himself  a  wife,  for  I  know  that  he  has  been  very  lonely 
in  the  parsonage.  He  is  so  good  and  useful  that  we 
think  he  deserves  every  earthly  blessing." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  speak  so,  Mrs.  Lacey,  for  that 
is  just  what  I  think,"  said  the  young  wife,  with  a  modest 
smile  upon  her  face. 

"  You  have  no  idea  what  changes  have  been  wrought 
under  his  ministry.  St.  Barnabas'  was  high  and  dry 
enough  before  he  came.  Now  we  are  all  alive,  and  a 
blessing  follows  Mr.  Hastings  everywhere.  But  I  must 
not  detain  you,  for  I  dare  say  that  you  have  household 
duties  to  attend  to.  We  are  neighbors  now,  and  I  hope 
often  to  see  your  hand  upon  the  latch  of  our  gate. 
Good  morning,  my  dear."  Then,  turning  hastily  back, 
she  added:  "Be  ready  at  four  o'clock,  to-morrow.  I 
want  you  to  ride  with  me,  for  I  have  some  pleasant  spots 
around  Westbrook  to  show  you." 

"  It  will  give  me  great  pleasure,  madam.  I  shall  be 
ready." 

And  the  two  parted  —  Emily  to  look  through  the  par- 
sonage, and  Mrs.  Lacey  to  report  at  home  the  interview 
—  mutually  pleased  with  each  other. 

Debby  was  quite  chagrined  at  what  she  deemed  the 
plainness  of  Emily's  establishment,  for,  compared  with 
home,  it  seemed  rustic  indeed. 

f<  I  don't  know  how  you  are  going  to  put  up  with  so 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  33 

many  privations,"  said  the  woman;  "it  is  all  so  dif- 
ferent." 

The  young  wife  smiled  as  she  replied,  "  You  can  have 
no  idea,  Debby,  how  little  those  things  that  you  value 
so  much,  have  to  do  with  my  happiness.  I  am  sure  that 
my  parlor  and  chamber  are  just  as  neat  as  I  could  wish ; 
all  the  furniture  is  new,  and  my  own  sitting-room  is 
charming,  Debby." 

"  How  in  the  world  are  you  going  to  do  without  a 
carriage  ?  you  can't  walk  about  much,  the  roads  are  so 
dusty,  and  the  distances  so  long." 

"  We  can  do  very  well,  Debby.  The  good  people  will 
sometimes  call  for  me  to  ride  with  them,  and  I  can  very 
well  dispense  with  that  luxury." 

They  are  now  among  the  bed  and  table  linen,  of 
which  there  was  an  excellent  supply,  furnished  by 
Emily's  parents. 

"  I  took  good  care  of  all  this,  Miss  Emily,"  said 
Debby,  as  she  turned  these  articles  out  of  the  chests, 
with  a  proud  look  upon  her  honest  face. 

Suddenly  the  door  opened,  and  Mr.  Hastings  made 
his  appearance. 

"  You  had  better  be  ready  for  visitors,  to-day,  Emily ; 
I  am  pretty  certain  that  you  will  have  some  calls.  I 
have  many  visits  to  make,  for  several  of  my  people  are 
sick." 

Accordingly,  the  young  wife  prepared  for  visitors,  and 
had  not  been  long  seated  in  her  sitting-room  ere  she 


34  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

heard  the  latch  of  her  front  gate,  and  looking  up 
perceived  a  small  lady,  under  a  large,  green  umbrella, 
coming  up  the  garden  walk.  It  was  a  neat,  dapper  little 
figure,  with  precise  step,  and  quick,  bustling  motions. 

A  profusion  of  crisp,  gray  curls,  piercing  black  eyes, 
a  nose  not  remarkable,  but  the  pleasant  smile  around 
the  mouth  almost  redeemed  the  other  unpleasant  fea- 
tures. Emily  saw  all  this  as  the  lady  stepped  up  on  the 
front  piazza. 

Received  in  the  pretty  sitting-room,  Emily  saw  that 
she  looked  around  uneasily,  as  she  introduced  herself  by 
the  name  of  Miss  Prudence  White,  one  of  the  oldest 
members  of  St.  Barnabas'. 

"  You  have  undertaken  a  very  weighty  charge,  my 
dear,"  said  the  lady. 

Emily  smiled  as  she  replied,  "  Not  so  very  weighty, 
I  should  think,  for  we  have  only  four  in  our  family." 

"  I  did  not  allude  to  your  private  duties,  my  dear ;  I 
referred  to  your  position  in  the  church." 

"  I  have  no  very  imperative  duties  there,  for  I  believe 
the  vestry  called  my  husband  to  the  charge,  and  not  his 
wife." 

"  You  certainly  roean  to  take  some  part  in  the  bene- 
volent, operations  of  the  parish?" 

"  My  husband  will  advise  me,  Miss  Prudence ;  I  am  a 
novice  in  my  new  position,  and  he  is  my  best  counsellor." 

''You  have  a  great   many  fine  things   around  you 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  35 

here,"  continued  the  lady ;  "  quite  showy  for  a  minister's 
house.  I  hope  that  they  will  not  make  you  worldly." 

"  They  are  chiefly  gifts,  and  valued  on  that  accou  ut. 
I  have  been  used  to  such  things  all  my  life,  and  do  not 
find  that  they  engross  either  my  time  or  thoughts,  Miss 
Prudence." 

"You  will  find  a  great  variety  of  people  here,  Mrs. 
Hastings ;  and  I  will  give  you  a  few  hints  about  some  of 
them,  to  put  you  on  your  guard.  There  is  Miss  Jane 
Proctor,  the  greatest  talker  in  Westbrook ;  and  there  are 
the  Westons,  as  proud  as  Lucifer  —  they  will  want  to 
patronize  the  minister's  wife ;  and  there  are  the  Browns, 
stiff"  high-church  people." 

"  They  are  all  members  of  my  husband's  flock,  Miss 
Prudence,  and  as  such  entitled  to  kindness  and  courtesy. 
I  dare  say  that  I  shall  find  many  amiable  qualities  in  all 
of  them." 

"  I  hope  that  you  will  not  be  disappointed,  my  dear : 
you  had  better  not  be  too  unsuspicious." 

"  I  had  better  think  too  well  of  them,  Miss  Prudence, 
for  we  all  need  forbearance  from  our  fellow-creatures." 

"  You  talk  just  like  all  young  people,  but  you  will 
learn  betcer,  some  day." 

After  making  many  rude  inquiries  about  the  cost  of 
many  pretty  things  in  the  room,  Miss  Prudence  took  her 
departure,  leaving  behind  some  troubled  ripples  upon 
the  atmosphere  of  the  parsonage,  and  the  lady  inspector 
quite  defeated.  Mortified  by  her  discomfiture,  Miss 


36  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Prudence  stopped  on  her  way  home  to  see  her  friend, 
Miss  Hetty  Van  Zandt.  "  I  don't  know  what  to  think 
of  the  young  thing,"  was  her  report  to  inspector  number 
two.  "  I  could  make  no  impression  there ;  she  was  very 
polite,  but  I  felt  somehow  as  if  her  manner  said  that 
she  had  an  excellent  counsellor  at  home.  I  wonder  if 
she  is  not  a  little  proud." 

On  Mr.  Hastings'  return,  he  laughed  at  Emily's  ac- 
count of  the  visit,  saying : 

"  There  are  many  phases  of  human  character  in  a 
parish  like  ours,  but  we  must  learn  to  '  be  wise  as  ser- 
pents, and  harmless  as  doves  ; '  but  I  must  not  forget  to 
say  that  with  all  Miss  Prudy's  unpleasant  peculiarities, 
there  are  many  valuable  traits  of  character,  for  she  is 
always  ready  to  give  time,  money,  and  sympathy, 
wherever  there  are  misery  and  want." 

"  I  '11  remember  that,  Edward,  and  try  to  forget  the 
oddities." 

"  Dear,  precious  wife !  May  this  sweet  spirit  guide 
and  bless  you  always,"  replied  the  husband,  as,  pressing 
a  fond  kiss  upon  the  fair  forehead,  he  left  the  sitting- 
room  to  prepare  for  dinner ;  and  the  young  wife  sat  a 
moment  where  he  had  left  her,  with  hands  folded  and  a 
soft  smile  of  perfect  content  resting  upon  the  lovely 
face. 

The  next  day  brought  a  different  experience,  for  the 
ride  with  Mrs.  Lacey  was  so  very  delightful.  Emily 
found  her  to  be  sensible,  refined,  pious,  and  was 


WE8TBBOOK     PARSONAGE.  37 

charmed  with  the  kind  and  charitable  accounts  that 
she  gave  of  many  of  the  people  of  St.  Barnabas'. 

"  We  have  a  mothers'  meeting  that  meets  on  every 
Wednesday  evening  at  the  Bible-class  room.  Would 
you  not  be  willing  to  take  charge  of  it,  my  dear  ?  " 

"  Who  directs  it  now,  Mrs.  Lacey  ?  " 

"That  has  been  my  pleasure  until  a  better  is  fouiid." 

"Then  it  must  just  continue  under  the  same  direc- 
tion. I  should  be  happy  to  attend  the  meetings,  and 
aid  in  your  benevolent  work,  but  your  experience  must 
not  be  lost  to  the  people  by  my  blunders." 

The  ride  was  through  a  delightful  country  of  hill  and 
dale,  where  beautiful  country  residences  greeted  the  eye 
on  every  side ;  and  Emily  could  easily  see  why  so  many 
citizens  had  chosen  their  summer  residence  among  these 
green  hills. 

"Do  many  of  these  families  attend  at  St.  Barnabas'?' 
inquired  Emily. 

"Quite  a  large  number,"  was  the  reply;  "and  it 
helps  the  parish  very  much.  There  is  one  place  where 
we  must  waive  ceremony  and  make  a  call,"  continued 
Mrs.  Lacey.  "  Stop  at  the  next  place,  John ;  we  will 
get  out  for  a  few  minutes." 

The  carriage  drew  up  to  the  gate  of  a  neat  cottage; 
and,  on  the  ringing  of  the  bell,  an  old  servant  presented 
herself  at  the  door. 

"  How  is  your  mistress,  Susan  ? "  inquired  the  lady. 
"Can  she  see  company  to-day?" 
4 


38  K'EsfBBOoR   PARSONAGE. 


'•  Walk  in,  ladies;  I  will  see." 

Leaving  the  visitors  in  the  parlor,  Susan  left  the 
room,  and  in  a  short  time  a  venerable  lady  of  at  least 
seventy  entered. 

"Mrs.  Raymond,  this  is  our  minister's  wife.  We 
thought  that  we  must  not  wait  for  your  visit." 

"  That  is  right,  my  dear.  I  pay  very  few  now,  and 
am  really  obliged  to  you  for  coming."  Turning  to 
Emily,  she  took  her  hand,  and  said  : 

"  May  the  Good  Shepherd  guide  and  bless  you  in  your 
new  calling  !  " 

Emily  was  struck  with  the  aspect  of  the  venerable 
lady.  Clad  in  a  black  silk  dress,  with  her  silver  hair 
parted  on  her  smooth  forehead  under  a  fine  lace  cap, 
she  thought  that  she  had  seldom  seen  an  aged  face 
where  so  much  of  peace  and  resignation  shed  their  holy 
calm. 

"You  are  just  entering  upon  life,  my  dear;  I  am 
going  out.  You  are  looking  forward  probably  to  a  life 
of  usefulness  and  happiness.  I  have  outlived  all  my 
children  ;  but  I  have  the  hope  of  meeting  them  in 
heaven,  for  they  were  all  Christians.  Come  into  the 
next  room,  and  I  will  show  you  their  portraits." 

Four  lovely  children,  two  daughters  in  young  M'oman- 
hood,  and  two  others  in  the  very  bloom  of  manly  youth, 
one  in  military  garb. 

"They  were  lovely  in  their  lives  and  happy  in 
death.  I  shall  go  to  them,  but  they  will  not  return  to  me  '' 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  39 

Emiljr  looked  at  the  saintly  face  of  the  old  lady,  and 
thought  how  precious  is  the  faith  which  can  sustain  the 
soul  under  trials  like  these. 

"  I  have  not  one  word  to  say,  because  my  Master  did 
it.  Time  is  very  short,  and  eternity  is  long.  I  shall 
have  them  all  that  long,  long,  happy  life.  Meanwhile,  I 
wait  patiently  till  my  time  comes." 

They  returned  to  the  parlor,  and  Susan  soon  entered 
with  some  sponge-cake  and  cool  beverage. 

"  This  is  excellent,  Mrs.  Raymond,"  said  the  doctor's 
wife. 

"  Susan  made  them  both,"  was  the  reply.  "  I  don't 
know  what  I  should  do  without  her." 

"  That  will  never  be,  Mrs.  Lacey,  so  long  as  I  live," 
said  the  faithful  woman.  "Mrs.  Raymond  has  been 
good  and  kind  to  me  ever  since  I  was  a  young  thing, 
and  I  shall  never  forsake  her." 

"  You  will  come  often,  my  dear,"  said  the  old  lady, 
addressing  the  pastor's  wife. 

"  It  will  give  me  the  greatest  pleasure,  madam, "  was 
the  reply.  "I  shall  not  soon  forget  this  afternoon's 
visit." 

"  Remember  me  most  kindly  to  your  good  husband," 
continued  the  old  lady,  "  his  visits  are  very  precious  to 
me,  and  he  never  forgets  the  afflicted." 

"I  call  that  little  cottage  'The  Chamber  of  Peace/" 
said  Mrs.  Lacey,  when  seated  in  the  carriage,  "  for  it 


40  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

always  takes  me  back  to  that  resting-place  in  the  Pil- 
grim's Progress." 

"  Well  named,"  was  Emily's  reply ;  "  for  I  think  that 
I  never  saw  more  of  the  peace  that  passeth  all  under- 
standing than  rests  upon  the  face  of  that  dear  old 
saint." 

The  week  was  occupied  chiefly  with  receiving  visits 
from  her  husband's  parishioners.  Miss  Hetty  Van  Zandt 
was  among  the  callers,  patronizing  and  scrutinizing,  for 
she  was  rather  near-sighted. 

Emily  was  quite  amused  at  the  manner  with  which 
she  examined  the  bijouterie  of  her  sitting-room,  (using 
her  nose  almost  as  much  as  her  eyes,)  and  more  so  with 
her  iv marks,  for  she  soon  perceived  that  Miss  Hetty  had 
come  on  a  tour  of  discovery. 

When  Mrs.  Hastings  gave  the  lady  her  first  donation 
to  the  Missionary  Society,  her  visitor's  prejudices  were 
(juite  disarmed,  for  Emily  remarked,  smiling,  "  You 
have  my  first  donation,  Miss  Hetty." 

"Miss  White  will  not  like  that  much,  for  Prudy 
always  must  be  foremost."  And  off  started  inspector 
number  two  to  show  inspector  number  one  how  she  had 
been  preferred. 

How  much  of  wood  and  hay  and  stubble  are  to  be 
burned  in  the  great  day  of  purification !  But  how  blessed 
to  feel  that  Jesus  sees  even  the  small  grains  of  real  faith, 
which  through  the  abounding  riches  of  divine  grace  will 
be  owned  in  that  sifting  day. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  41 

Many  tokens  of  good-will  reached  the  parsonage, 
sometimes  in  the  shape  of  a  basket  of  fresh  vegetables, 
sometimes  a  pair  of  spring  chickens,  or,  at  others,  & 
dozen  of  new-laid  eggs ;  and  the  young  wife's  first  week 
was,  upon  the  whole,  one  of  general  satisfaction.  In 
the  afternoons,  she  generally  accompanied  her  husband 
on  his  visits  to  distant  parishioners.  Not  having  a  car- 
riage of  his  own,  he  was  obliged  on  these  occasions  to 
accept  the  loan  of  his  neighbors'  vehicles. 

"  How  different  this  is  from  home,  Edward ! "  said  the 
young  wife,  as  she  took  her  seat  by  her  husband's  side  on 
one  of  these  pleasant  afternoons. 

"  Better,  happier,  Emily  ?  " 

"  Infinitely ;  for  here,  in  this  peaceful  home,  there 
seems  nothing  to  separate  us  from  our  Lord." 

"  There  may  be,  Emily,  for  bosom  foes  follow  us  every- 
where in  our  earthly  pilgrimage." 

"  Yes,  but  Jesus  is  nearer  here  than  in  the  Fifth 
Avenue,  where  all  was  so  worldly :  it  seems  just  like 
Bethany  here,  Edward." 

"  Why,  Emily  ?  " 

"  If  Mary  and  Martha  and  Lazarus  are  not  here, 
there  are  those  whom  Jesus  loves,  and  that  makes 
Bethany." 

"  But  we  shall  find  the  little  foxes  that  spoil  the  tender 
grapes  everywhere,  Emily,  but  especially  in  the  littl< 
world  of  a  minister's  parish." 
4* 


42  tFESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  We  won't  let  them  worry  us,  Edward,  when  we  have 
BO  many  blessings ;  for  I  think  that  we  can  both  say, 
thus  far,  that  we  have  met  with  many  more  of  the 
Saviour's  lambs  than  Satan's  foxes." 

"  Dear,  hopeful  wife,  live  in  the  sunshine,  for  the  can- 
dle of  the  Lord  is  shining  brightly  around  your  y»ung 
footsteps." 


OHAPTEB   III. 

FATHER   MORGAN. 
For  he  was  a  good  man,  and  fall  of  the  Holy  Ghon. 

TS  the  little  chamber  in  order,  Emily?"  inquired  hei 
-*-  husband ;  "  I  mean  the  one  facing  the  orchard,  that 
we  call  the  prophet's  chamber,  and  is  frequently  occupied 
by  a  dear  old  friend,  who  is  a  kind  father  to  me.  I  am 
expecting  Father  Morgan  every  day  now." 

"Why  do  you  call  him  by  that  title,  Edward?" 

"  He  is  the  oldest  member  of  our  Convocation,  and  all 
the  brethren  call  him  by  that  name,  for  he  is  a  man  of 
ripe  experience,  and  we  all  look  up  to  him  as  to  a  father. 
That  is  his  likeness  over  the  sideboard  in  the  dining- 
room." 

"  He  has  been  a  handsome  man,  Edward,  in  his  youth 
I  shall  be  glad  to  see  him,  for  your  sake." 

"  My  parents  died  when  I  was  young,  Emily,  and  left 
me  penniless :  you  do  not  know  what  Father  Morgan 
has  done  for  me;  at  once  he  adopted  me  as  his  own  son, 
bore  all  the  expenses  of  my  education,  and  is  always  the 
name  devoted  friend.  I  know  no  other  father." 

"  I  will  see  that  all  is  comfortable,  Edward." 

"  There  are  a  wrapper  and  a  pair  of  slippers  in  the 

48 


44  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

closet,  kept  expressly  for  him ;  be  sure  to  lay  them  out, 
and  have  some  warm  water  in  his  room  every  night,  to 
bathe  his  feet." 

"There  is  a  carriage  at  the  gate  now — Edward,  a  low 
vehicle,  odd  and  old-fashioned  enough." 

"  It  is  our  friend,  sure  enough." 

Hastening  down  the  path,  the  young  minister  wel 
corned  the  old  gentleman,  but  was  surprised  to  see  a 
ragged  boy  of  ten  sitting  in  the  carriage. 

"  Well,  Edward,  you  have  another  bird  in  the  nest,  I 
hear.  How  do  you  think  that  you  are  going  to  support 
a  family  on  your  salary  ?  And  then  I  hear  that  you  have 
brought  home  a  dainty  lark,  not  used  to  the  privations 
of  a  country  parsonage." 

"  You  must  judge  for  yourself,  father.  I  know  that  in 
a  few  months  you  will  think  Emily  Hastings  a  choice 
blessing  in  a  minister's  lot.  But  let  me  take  care  of  the 
horse :  you  must  be  tired  after  your  long  ride." 

"Not  I — no  one  waits  on  Pete  but  myself,  Edward;  I 
know  just  what  he  likes ;  he 's  a  pretty  saucy  chap ;  I  have 
to  take  his  own  bucket  along,  for  he  will  not  feed  from 
any  other.  Run  into  the  house :  I  '11  be  there  as  soon  as 
Pete  is  comfortable." 

Knowing  the  old  minister's  peculiarities,  he  was  not 
interfered  with. 

Putting  his  head  in  the  kitchen  door,  Father  Morgan 
took  Debby  by  surprise  by  his  abrupt  address. 

"  Here,  Biddy,  help  me  out  with  these  things :  I  want 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  45 

them  put  aAvay  in  an  eye-wink,  without  the  knowledge 
of  the  mistress." 

Debby  wondered  who  this  could  be,  who  with  such  an 
air  of  authority  gave  his  orders. 

"  I  am  not  certain  that  I  ought  to,  sir,  for  I  don't 
know  where  they  came  from." 

"  You  needn't  ask  any  questions,  just  do  as  I  bid  you. 
And  give  this  boy  something  to  eat:  he's  hungry,  I  know, 
by  this  time." 

Without  farther  dispute,  the  stores  were  safely  depos- 
ited in  their  proper  place.  °nd  the  boy  fed,  as  directed. 

In  about  half  an  hour,  Father  Morgan  made  his  ap- 
pearance in  the  parlor,  where  the  mistress  of  the  parson- 
age was  ready  to  receive  him. 

Mrs.  Hastings  was  struck  by  the  aspect  of  her  visitor 
—  rather  tall,  with  a  fine,  open  countenance,  a  benevo- 
lent, winning  smile,  and  broad,  expansive  forehead, 
crowned  with  silver  hair. 

The  modest  deportment,  and  bright  welcome  on  the 
sweet,  young  face,  at  once  interested  the  old  clergyman's 
warmest  feelings. 

"  I  suppose  that  you  know  this  is  my  son,  young  lady," 
said  her  guest ;  "  and  as  a  matter  of  course,  you  must  be 
my  daughter  :  as  such  I  give  you  my  blessing,  child." 

"I  know  what  you  have  been  to  Edward.  Father 
Morgan,  and  are  entitled  to  our  warmest  love." 

"I  bid  you  take  care  of  these  husbands,  daughter:  it 
all  seems  very  sweet  during  the  honeymoon,  but  by- 


46  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

and-by  you'll  see  the  staff  of  authority ;  then  take  care ! " 
and  a  humorous  smile  passed  over  the  old  gentleman's 
face. 

"  I  shall  never  be  afraid  of  my  husband's  staff,  father, 
for  it  is  my  pleasure  to  follow  its  leadings." 

"  Where  in  the  world  did  you  pick  up  that  ragged 
boy,  Father  Morgan  ?  "  inquired  Mr.  Hastings. 

"  Sitting  by  the  road-side,  as  I  came  along,  crying  bit- 
terly, just  to  worry  me,  I  suppose ;  and  on  making  in- 
quiries, he  told  me  that  he  had  lost  both  parents :  you 
know,  Edward,  that  I  could  not  leave  an  orphan  by  the 
road-side;  Hannah  conceives  that  we  want  a  boy  to  help 
in  the  kitchen,  and  so  I  brought  him  along." 

"  And  what  has  become  of  Jacob  ?  " 

"  Oh,  he 's  about  yet,  but  I  have  a  place  in  my  head 
for  him  at  neighbor  Jones'.  I  have  had  him  now  for 
two  years,  and  he  is  quite  a  good  gardener  now." 

"  When  did  you  leave  New  York,  Father  Morgan  ?  " 

"  Last  Friday,  Edward ;  and  a  miserable  visit  it  was, 
to  be  sure.  I  am  concerned  for  our  beloved  Church,  for 
she  has  enemies  among  her  pretended  friends.  There  is 
decidedly  a  strong  disposition  to  favor  the  sacramenta- 
rian  theology  in  more  quarters  than  one  ;  there  is,  more- 
over, a  weekly  journal  advocating  the  new  doctrines,  or, 
rather,  the  old  fossils  dug  up ;  and  it  is  all  so  agreeable 
to  unrenewed  human  nature,  that  I  fear  many  will  be 
led  into  the  snare." 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  47 

"  These  are  days  of  trial,  father,  and  it  behooves  us 
all  to  be  on  the  watch-tower." 

"  This  corpoiate  idea  of  the  Church,  Edward,  reminds 
me  of  what  I  have  heard  of  the  practices  of  the  Roman- 
ists in  South  America,  where,  in  crowded  churches,  with 
consecrated  mops,  the  priests  sprinkle  the  masses  with 
holy  water." 

"  We  are  not  in  danger  of  such  gross  ideas  as  these, 
but  of  something  more  refined  ;  for  there  is  much  in  the 
Newman  tracts  to  interest  the  intellectual,  and  draw 
them  after  the  teachings  of  that  school,  especially  when 
promulgated  by  men  of  high  character,  such  as  Drs. 
Pusey  and  Newman  ;  but  most  of  all,  I  fear  the  future  : 
some  of  our  brethren  say,  let  them  alone  —  that  oppo- 
sition creates  friends ;  but  I  cannot  agree  with  them : 
this  is  the  seed  of  deadly  error ;  if  we  allow  it  to  germi- 
nate, bitter  will  be  the  fruit.  It  has  commenced  with 
the  intellect,  that  affects  the  few  who  wield  the  power; 
by-and-by  it  will  pander  to  the  sensuous  and  imagina- 
tive, that  will  sweep  the  masses,  especially  in  America. 
Choke  the  thistle-seeds,  Edward,  and  there  will  be  no 
harvest  of  weeds." 

"Did  you  ever  hear  any  positive  teaching,  father?" 

"  I  did  hear  the  doctrine  of  priestly  intervention  be- 
tween the  soul  and  God  openly  taught ;  and,  moreover, 
I  saw  the  raising  of  the  patten  after  consecration,  and 
the  bowing  of  heads  among  the  people,  that  indicated 
serious,  vital  departure  from  Protestant  truth." 


48  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  Did  you  visit  St.  Matthias'  during  your  stay  ?  "  in- 
quired Emily. 

"  I  did,  my  daughter ;  and  it  was  truly  refreshing  to 
the  spirit  to  hear  the  clear,  decided  teaching  of  that 
pulpit;  but  Dr.  Woodville  is  sorely  traduced  by  many 
of  his  brethren  as  a  Methodist,  a  Presbyterian,  anything 
but  a  churchman.  There  is  one  comfort,  however ;  God 
will  take  care  of  His  own  Church,  and  bring  her  in 
safety  through  all  the  days  of  tribulation." 

"  Are  n't  you  tired,  father  ?  "  inquired  Emily.  "  We 
should  have  thought  of  that  before." 

"I  am  somewhat,  and  should  like  to  go  to  my  little 
room." 

Emily  led  the  way,  and  the  old  man  looked  around 
with  a  pleasant  smile  as  he  surveyed  the  marks  of  at- 
tention to  his  comfort. 

"  Edward  has  told  you  about  my  notions,  I  see.  Now 
you  '11  please  not  to  disturb  me  until  dinner-time,  for  I 
should  like  to  be  alone." 

Passing  the  door  about  an  hour  afterward,  Emily 
heard  the  voice  of  supplication  in  deep,  earnest  tones, 
and  felt  how  blessed  it  was  to  be  the  subject  of  such 
faithful  prayers.  Next  morning,  the  good  man  walked 
around  the  place  in  company  with  the  pastor,  surveying 
everything  with  fatherly  interest. 

"  This  is  a  fine  fruit  orchard,  and  quite  a  good  vege- 
table garden ;  but  they  must  have  some  one  to  take  care 
of  them,  or  they  will  be  useless  to  you." 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  49 

"  Yes,  I  know  that,"  was  the  reply ;  "  but  I  cannot 
a/Ford  to  keep  a  man." 

"  And  then  how  are  you  to  go  about  with  your  wife 
without  a  carriage?  She  can't  take  long  walks  in  the 
country  ;  and  besides,  it  is  absolutely  necessary." 

"  It  is  quite  out  of  the  question,  father.  The  cost  of  a 
horse  and  carriage  would  be  a  great  addition  to  our 
expenses." 

The  old  gentleman  was  seated  in  the  summer-house 
with  the  pastor,  leaning  thoughtfully  upon  his  cane, 
and  talking  in  low  tones  to  himself. 

"  She  seems  such  a  good  little  thing.  It 's  such  a  pity 
that  she  has  n't  these  few  comforts." 

"  Who  are  you  talking  about  ? "  inquired  Mr.  Hast- 
ings. 

"  About  Emily,  to  be  sure  —  my  daughter.  She  must 
be  made  comfortable." 

The  old  gentleman  was  much  amused  by  the  look  of 
surprise  with  which  Debby  surveyed  him  seated  at  the 
dinner-table. 

"  I  guess  she  wonders  who  I  am,"  said  the  visitor ; 
"but  she'll  get  used  to  me  after  a  while.  Where  did 
you  meet  with  her,  Emily  ?  " 

"  She  has  lived  with  my  mother  all  her  married  life," 
was  the  reply,  "  and  is  very  much  like  a  housekeeper 
here." 

"  I  suppose  that  she  wondered  who  the  old  man  was 
that  ordered  her  about  yesterdav  in  the  kitchen." 


50  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"She  is  a  faithful  woman,"  was  the  reply,  "and  will 
respect  every  one  that  we  value,  I  am  sure." 

After  dinner,  Emily  led  the  way  to  the  parlor,  and 
opening  the  organ,  asked  her  old  friend  if  she  should 
entertain  him  with  some  music. 

"  That  is  my  chief  recreation,  daughter.  Can  you  give 
me  some  of  the  old  chants  ?  " 

Both  had  fine  voices,  and  Father  Morgan  sang  a  good 
bass  yet.  The  music  brought  Debby  and  Jane  to  the 
parlor-door ;  for  it  was  something  more  than  common 
melody  that  filled  the  room.  Grand  old  hymns  and 
some  sweet  modern  airs  followed.  The  old  man  was  in 
his  element. 

"  I  pity  the  Quakers,  Emily  „  don't  you  ?  They  lose 
so  much  of  holy  joy  in  this  part  of  public  worship ;  but 

I  think  that  they  '11  be  among  the  loudest  singers  in 
heaven,  to  make  up  for  the  silence  here." 

"  The  young  people  of  that  sect  are  just  as  fond  of 
music  as  we  are;  for  I  have  had  visits  from  several 
such,  and  they  are  never  tired  of  the  ergan." 

"  What  must  be  the  worship  of  heaven,  children,  when 
the  whole  church  triumphant  joins  the  angelic  choir  ? 
That  idea  is  a  fine  one  when  comparing  it  to  the  voice 
of  many  waters." 

"  I  must  be  going  to-morrow,  Edward,"  said  the  vis- 
itor ;  "  for  I  have  preparation  for  Sundav  to  make ;  and 
Hannah  will  be  troubled  if  I  do  not  come  on  the  day 

II  ppointed," 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  61 

The  morning  came,  and  Father  Morgan  led  the  family 
prayers.  The  holy,  heavenly  fervor  of  that  sweet  service 
seemed  to  rest  upon  the  family  for  days,  and  Emily  said 
to  her  husband,  as  the  carriage  drove  out  of  sight : 

"It  seems  as  if  a  benediction  were  left  behind, 
Edward,  by  that  good  old  man :  how  is  it  that  he  is  so 
much  attached  to  you  ?  " 

"  In  his  youth,  he  loved  my  mother  —  they  were  sepa- 
rated by  money-loving  parents.  My  mother  married, 
and  died  young,  leaving  but  one  child,  and  that  one  he 
loves  for  my  mother's  sake ;  for  he  has  never  married. 
A  rich  uncle  left  him  all  his  property,  and  he  uses  his 
wealth  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  man." 

On  the  Monday  morning  of  the  following  week,  Jacob 
drove  up  to  the  gate  in  a  neat  country  carriage  with 
seats  for  four.  Fastening  the  horse  to  the  gate,  he 
asked  for  the  minister,  and  handing  him  a  letter,  stood 
waiting  with  hat  in  hand.  The  young  pastor's  lips 
quivered  as  he  handed  the  letter  to  his  wife,  who  read : 

"  My  dear  children  will  accept  this  horse  and  carriage 
from  their  friend,  with  the  services  of  Jacob  Grant,  who 
I  know  will  prove  a  faithful  servant.  Regard  this  as  a 
gift  from  the  Lord.  Jacob's  wages  will  be  paid  monthly, 
and  all  other  expenses  attendant  upon  the  keeping  of 
the  carriage.  It  is  a  great  pleasure  to  do  this  for  a  ser- 
vant of  our  dear  Lord  and  Master." 

"Take  the  carriage  to  the  stable,  Jacob,"  said  the 


52  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

.pastor,  and  then  turning  to  his  wife,  he  said,  " '  Good 
ness  and  mercy  have  followed  me  all  the  days  of  my 
life.'  Let  us  thank  Him,  Emily." 

Shutting  themselves  up  in  their  own  room,  their  full 
hearts  poured  out  their  gratitude  in  words  of  earnest 
praise  and  consecration. 

Jacob  was  older  than  they  had  supposed,  and  was 
well  qualified  to  take  care  of  the  garden,  as  well  as  the 
horse  and  carriage. 

"  Who  would  have  thought  that  Mr.  Morgan  was  such 
a  rich  man  / "  said  Debby,  when  informed  of  the  gift.  "  I 
thought  he  was  some  old  driver,  belonging  to  a  grocery 
store,  when  he  first  came  here,  for  he  brought  such  a 
load  of  stores.  I  could  not  make  out  how  it  was,  when 
he  told  me  not  to  tell  until  he  had  gone;  but  now  I 
must  show  you,  ma'am,"  and  leading  the  way  to  the 
store-room,  there  were  fifty  pounds  of  coffee,  the  same 
of  white  sugar,  a  box  of  tea,  and  a  small  kit  of  supe- 
rior butter." 

"  This  is  just  like  Father  Morgan,"  said  her  husband ; 
"  always  going  about  with  his  open  hand  of  munificence." 

The  good  clergyman  lived  about  twenty  miles  from 
Westbrook,  where  he  supplied  two  country  churches. 

He  had  a  very  comfortable  house,  kept  by  Hannah,  a 
faithful  housekeeper,  who  knew  exactly  how  to  make 
the  master  happy.  One  might  suppose  that  she  had  but 
little  to  do,  in  so  small  a  family ;  but  Father  Morgan 
was  "  given  to  hospitality,"  and  was  never  without  some 


WE8TBROOK    PARSONAGE.  63 

one  to  enjoy  his  bountiful  board.  Always  one  or  two 
orphan  children  were  permanently  lodged,  often  tem- 
porary pensioners,  and  not  unfrequently  a  minister's 
family  when  without  a  charge,  were  members  of  his 
household.  His  was  a  warm  and  generous  heart,  filled 
with  the  love  of  Christ,  and  loving  the  whole  household 
of  faith  for  his  Master's  sake.  Perhaps  some,  dwelling 
in  smaller  Christian  circles,  might  have  been  scandalized 
when  hearing  that  the  whole  family  of  the  Presbyterian 
minister  were  received  into  his  house  when  the  father 
was  suddenly  removed.  The  parish  was  poor,  the  min- 
ister had  been  a  valued  friend,  and  when  the  successor 
was  about  to  enter  upon  his  duties,  Father  Morgan 
opened  his  house  to  receive  the  widow  and  orphans, 
until  something  was  permanently  arranged  for  their 
support.  So  large  and  unusual  were  his  charities,  that 
Father  Morgan  was  esteemed  as  the  friend  of  the  whole 
community,  for  he  was  truly  "a  good  man,  and  full  of 

the  Holy  Ghost." 
6* 


CHAPTER  IV. 

LITTLE  FOXES. 

"The little  foxes  that  spoil  the  vines :  for  our  vines  have  tender  grapes." 

fTlHE  stream  of  life  was  so  different  now  to  Emily 
-*-  Hastings !  In  the  dawn  of  her  voyage  to  the  New 
Jerusalem,  her  course  lay  through  troubled  waters,  where 
rocks  and  shoals  met  her  little  bark  constantly  as  il 
struggled  on  through  numerous  impediments. 

Now  the  atmosphere  within  the  parsonage  was  peace- 
ful as  was  the  face  of  nature  without.  She  was  daily 
making  new  acquaintances  among  the  people  of  St. 
Barnabas',  the  ministrations  of  the  sanctuary  were 
refreshing,  and  it  might  well  be  said  of  her  present  ex- 
perience that  "  I  sit  down  under  his  shadow  with  great 
delight,  and  his  banner  over  me  is  love." 

There  were  some  families,  however,  where  it  was  an 
especial  privilege  to  visit,  and  old  Mrs.  Raymond's  was 
such. 

Once  a  fortnight,  it  was  the  good  pastor's  habit  to 
visit  the  invalid  ;  for  there  were  many  marks  of  decline 
daily  visible. 

"Always  welcome,"  said  the  old  lady,  as  she  met  the 

54 


WEST  BROOK    PARSONAGE.  5& 

two  on  one  of  these  occasions.  "  I  don't  know  what  I 
should  do  if  I  lived  among  some  of  the  lofty  ministers 
in  the  city.  A  friend  was  here  last  week,  who  was  giv- 
ing some  account  of  the  doings  of  the  Tractarians,  and 
I  could  not  help  thinking  how  different  it  must  be  from 
the  Master,  who  encouraged  sinners  of  all  classes  and 
grades  to  come  directly  to  Him." 

"That  is  the  blessed  privilege  of  the  true  Gospel, 
Mrs.  Raymond ;  and  when  I  hear  of  priestly  interven- 
tion, I  think  of  the  precious  words  of  the  apostle  when 
he  says,  '  Let  us  come  boldly  to  a  throne  of  grace,  that 
we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of 
need ; '  for  '  there  is  one  mediator  between  God  and 
man,  the  man  Christ  Jesus.' " 

"  Blessed  words,  Mr.  Hastings.  What  should  a  poor, 
trembling  sinner  such  as  I  do  now  without  this  assu- 
rance ?  I  believe  the  precious  message,  and  so  I  dwell 
in  an  atmosphere  of  peace." 

"  Thanks  be  to  God  for  His  '  unspeakable  gift,'  Mrs. 
Raymond." 

"  Here  is  my  monthly  payment  to  the  church  fund, 
Mr.  Hastings.  The  objects  are  all  marked ;  and  I  only 
wish  that  I  had  more  to  give  to  Him  who  gave  Him- 
self for  me."  Then,  turning  to  the  young  lady,  she 
continued,  "  Do  you  feel  at  home  among  us,  my  dear, 
by  this  time  ?  " 

"  I  should  be  very  ungrateful,  if  1  did  not,"  was  the 


66  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

prompt  reply ;  "  for  I  have  received  nothing  but  kind- 
ness ever  since  I  came  to  Westbrook." 

"  I  have  something  for  you,  my  dear ; "  and  going  to 
a  closet,  she  brought  out  three  bottles  marked  "  Rasp- 
berry Vinegar."  "We  had  a  fine  crop  of  fruit  this 
year,  and  Susan  made  a  good  quantity  of  it.  It  is 
a  delicious  summer-drink,  mixed  with  ice-water;  and 
many  a  sick  and  feverish  patient  enjoys  this  beverage." 

The  old  lady  had  hoard  of  Father  Morgan's  gift,  and 
looking  out  of  the  window,  remarked,  "  What  a  com- 
fort your  little  equipage  must  be,  Mr.  Hastings !  I  was 
so  happy  when  I  heard  of  the  good  man's  kindness." 

"  It  has  been  a  great  blessing ;  for  Emily  and  I  can 
now  visit  freely  among  our  people,  which  we  could  not 
do  without  it.  He  is  one  of  the  good  stewards  of  the 
Master's  bounty,  and  considers  his  wealth  not  his  own. 
But  we  must  go  now :  shall  we  have  a  farewell  word  of 
prayer  before  we  part  ?  " 

Susan  was  called  in,  and  the  four  enjoyed  a  short 
space  of  sweet  communion  with  God,  leaving  with  the 
dear  old  lady  a  holy  benediction. 

"Ripening  for  the  kingdom,  Emily,"  said  her  hus- 
band, as  they  drove  home.  "I  can  see  the  dear  old 
saint  drooping  and  fading  at  every  visit,  and  it  will  not 
be  long  ere  she  joins  her  departed  children." 

On  returning  home,  Emily  perceived  several  trunks 
in  the  hall,  and  entering  the  parlor,  was  surprised  to  see 
her  mother  and  sister  Gertrude. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE,  57 

"  This  is  an  unexpected  pleasure,  mamma,"  said  the 
young  lady. 

"  It  is  beginning  to  grow  warm,  Emily ;  and  Ger- 
trude and  I  thought  that  perhaps  you  could  accommo- 
date us  for  a  few  weeks.  We  have  brought  Maria  with 
us,  so  that  we  shall  not  make  much  more  work  in  the 
family." 

"  You  must  be  tired,  mamma :  shall  I  show  you  to 
your  room  ?  " 

*'  Debby  showed  what  she  called  the  spare  room,  Em- 
ily ;  but  I  really  don't  know  how  two  of  us  can  occupy 
that  small  room." 

"  We  will  make  some  other  arrangements,  then.  Our 
room  is  much  larger ;  you  can  take  that,  and  we  will 
go  into  the  spare  room." 

"  I  have  always  been  used  to  a  dressing-room,  Emily 
can't  we  have  the  two  together  ?  " 

"  Yes,  mamma,  if  you  say  so ;  and  we  will  take  the 
prophet's  chamber." 

"  What  shall  we  do  if  Father  Morgan  comes,  Emily?  " 
said  the  husband,  when  alone. 

"  I  should  be  very  sorry  not  to  accommodate  him," 
'  was  the  reply.     "  I  should  not  know  what  to  do,  unless 
Mrs.  Lacey  will  give  him  a  room.   I  should  not  be  afraid 
to  ask  her ;  she  is  so  truly  benevolent  and  obliging." 

It  was  a  real  inconvenience  to  be  shut  up  for  several 
weeks  in  so  small  a  room ;  but  there  was  no  appearance 
•jf  annovance. 


58  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

On  retiring  for  the  night,  Emily  remarked,  "We 
have  prayers  before  breakfast,  mamma ;  the  first  bell 
rings  for  rising,  the  second  for  worship,  the  third  for 
breakfast." 

"  You  need  not  expect  me  at  the  second,  Emily ;  it  is 
a  Puritanical  practice,  at  any  rate.  We  find  the  daily 
service  at  church  to  meet  our  views  on  that  subject." 

"  It  is  so  sweet,  mamma,  to  surround  a  family  altar 
together.  Won't  you  sometimes  come  ?  " 

"  I  may  in  the  evening,  perhaps ;  but  your  ideas  and 
mine  will  never  correspond,  Emily." 

Next  day,  the  young  wife  led  her  mother  and  sister 
through  the  parsonage. 

"  And  this  is  your  home,  Emily,"  said  Mrs.  Warren. 
"  Plain  enough — half  of  the  furniture  is  worn  out.  There 
is  nothing  in  the  house  worth  looking  at,  except  the 
rooms  that  your  father  furnished.  What  a  fool  you 
have  been  to  reject  George  Le  Roy  for  Edward  Hast- 
ings!" 

"  I  am  very  happy,  mamma.  We  have  every  com 
fort,  church  privileges  which  are  invaluable,  and  a 
husband  kind  and  good  as  man  can  be.  My  employ- 
ments are  all  congenial,  and  I  consider  my  lot  much  to 
be  envied." 

Emily  soon  found  that  the  peace  of  her  happy  home 
had  been  sorely  invaded  by  the  newcomers.  Not  only 
did  they  refuse  to  attend  upon  morning  prayers,  but  fre- 
quently the  breakfast-table  was  kept  waiting  until  nine 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  59 

o'clock,  an  hour  ami  a  half  after  the  usual  family  meal, 
and  all  the  household  rules  disturbed.  Then  the  meal 
was  uncomfortable  ;  for  it  was  impossible  that  it  should 
be  otherwise  when  standing  so  long.  The  ladies  fre- 
quently ordered  away  the  meal,  making  Emily  most 
unhappy  by  their  conduct.  When  such  was  the  case,  the 
two  were  ill-natured  all  day.  Then  especial  pains  and 
expense  were  bestowed  upon  the  dinner,  which  was  crit- 
icized likewise  by  Mrs.  Warren.  Here  were  the  little 
foxes  spoiling  the  tender  grapes  of  domestic  peace  and 
comfort. 

"  I  am  going  to  lecture  to-night,  mamma,"  said  Emily, 
\vhen  the  evening  arrived.  "  Won't  you  accompany  us  ?  " 

"  Perhaps  I  may,"  was  the  ungracious  reply. 

Dressed  in  high  fashion,  the  mother  and  sister  of  the 
pastor's  wife  excited  much  remark  as  they  sailed  into 
the  humble  lecture-room  of  St.  Barnabas'.  Forgetting 
that  they  were  in  God's  house,  they  took  no  pains  to 
conceal  their  disgust  at  the  service,  scarcely  joining  at 
all  in  the  responses,  making  themselves  conspicuous  by 
their  low  bows,  not  only  in  the  Creed,  but  the  Gloria, 
wherever  it  occurred.  Such  things  were  uncommon  at 
St.  Barnabas',  and  Miss  White  accosted  her  friend  after 
church  in  high  indignation. 

"  Did  you  ever  see  such  airs,  Hetty?"  said  the  lady. 
44  What  did  they  mean  by  all  that  bowing  ? " 

"That's  the  new  fashion,  I  suppose,"  was  the  reply. 
"  I  have  been  told  that  in  New  York  there  are  churches 


60  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

where  this  is  done  wherever  the  Gloria  occurs  in  the 
service." 

"  Is  it  in  the  Prayer  Book  ?     I  never  saw  it,  I  am 
sure." 
"Miss  Hetty  smiled. 

"There  is  much  done  by  these  new-fangled  church 
people  that  is  not  found  in  our  good  old  book,  and  I 
urn  afraid  that  much  will  follow." 

"Don't  ask  me  to  go  to  that  lecture-room  again, 
Emily,"  said  her  mother.  "  Why  on  earth  don't  your 
husband  have  public  worship  in  the  church  ?  I  felt  as 
if  I  were  in  a  Presbyterian  meeting-house." 

"  Edward  thinks  that  for  our  more  social  services  the 
lecture-room  is  better — where  the  people  are  brought 
more  closely  together,  and  the  elements  of  sympathy 
more  cultivated." 

"  The  people  are  brought  too  close  to  the  minister  for 
me,  Emily.  "  Reverence  for  the  sacred  ministry  suggests 
the  idea  of  distance  between  the  two.  Let  the  priest 
and  the  people  be  separated ;  so  say  I." 

"  And  yet,  dear  mamma,  we  are  invited  to  draw  very 
near  to  the  Great  High-Priest  of  our  profession,  assured 
that  the  sacrifice,  once  offered,  is  forever  perfect,  and 
we  forever  sure  of  acceptance.  If  we  may  draw  near  to 
the  Holy  One,  certainly  we  need  not  fear  to  approach 
His  ambassadors ;  for  we  have  no  other  priest  than  our 
anointed  Saviour." 

"  We  can  never  agree,  Emily ;  I  see  that." 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  61 

In  a  day  or  two  after  this  conversation,  Father  Mor- 
gan made  his  appearance  at  the  parsonage,  and  was 
much  disappointed  on  finding  that  he  was  obliged  to 
lodge  at  Dr.  Lucey's  instead  of  in  the  prophet's  chamber. 
Mrs.  Warren  was  greatly  amused  by  the  old  minister^ 
peculiarities,  and  sometimes  not  a  little  afraid  of  his 
sarcasm.  Staying  over  Sunday,  he  assisted  the  young 
pastor  in  the  public  services,  and  saw  much  in  the  de- 
portment of  the  two  ladies  in  church  to  excite  his 
displeasure.  Meeting  at  the  dinner-table,  Father  Mor- 
gan turned  abruptly  to  Mrs.  Warren,  and  said  : 

"Can  you  inform  me,  madam,  by  what  authority  the 
new  interpreters  of  our  beautiful  service  bow  at  the 
Gloria?" 

"  It  is  an  expression  of  reverence  for  the  name  of 
God  ;  so  I  use  it." 

"  Is  the  mode  authorized  by  our  Book  of  Common 
Prayer  ?  If  so,  I  have  never  been  able  to  discover  the 
rubric." 

"  It  is  not  forbidden,  I  believe." 

"  Miserable  sophistry,  madam  !  That  reasoning  would 
bring  in  a  host  of  practices  among  sober-minded  Episco- 
palians, each  worshipper  being  his  own  interpreter.  We 
should  have  but  little  of  common  prayer  left  if  that 
principle  were  tolerated." 

"  You  will  not  deny  that  it  is  an  expression  of  rever- 
ence, Father  Morgan  ?" 

"  I  am  certain  that  it  is  not  in  all  cases,  madam  ;  for, 


62  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

last  winter,  I  was  at  church  in  New  York,  sitting  near 
u  lady  who  was  very  particular  in  all  these  observances, 
when  my  attention  was  drawn  to  something  of  a  bright 
pink  color  lying  close  by  her  side,  which  she  raised  fre- 
quently to  her  lips.  Very  soon,  to  my  disgust  at  her 
mummery,  I  saw  that  she  was  eating;  and  as  it  was 
Christmas  morning,  I  discovered  that  it  was  a  bonbon 
that  she  had  brought  to  church,  and,  in  the  intervals 
between  the  bowings,  regaled  herself  with  this  confec- 
tionery. You  do  not  pretend  to  say  that  these  were  acts 
of  reverence." 

Mrs.  Warren  looked  confused  as  she  replied,  "  I  cer- 
tainly do  not  justify  such  proceedings,  but  I  never  saw 
anything  like  that." 

"  I  have  sat  near  young  ladies,  too,  madam,  who  were 
among  the  best  dippers  in  church,  who,  even  in  the  act 
of  such  performances,  were  occupied  in  whispering  be- 
hind their  prayer-books,  in  a  manner  most  scandalous  to 
devout  worshippers  around.  You  do  not  call  that  rever- 
ence?" 

"  By  no  means ;  but  you  are  prejudiced." 

•'  Very  much,  madam,  against  all  such  innovations  of 
our  Book  of  Common  Prayer.  When  I  go  to  the  house 
of  God,  I  desire  all  its  services  to  raise  my  thoughts  to 
heaven,  and  must  own  that  these  exhibitions  drag  them 
down  to  earth,  and  sometimes  excite  a  class  of  emotions 
incompatible  with  spiritual  worship." 

Arguing  from  different  stand-points,  it  was  impossible 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  63 

that  two  should  agree  when;  one  advocated  the  sacra- 
mental, the  other,  spiritual  religion :  the  gulf  is  impassa- 
ble, never  to  be  bridged  over  —  never. 

During  the  following  week,  Miss  Hetty  Van  Zandt 
was  announced  as  a  visitor  at  the  parsonage.  Father 
Morgan  had  seen  her  tall,  thin  figure  coming  up  the 
gravel  path,  and  turning  to  Emily,  said,  smiling, 

"  Inspector  number  two,  my  dear :  get  your  defences 
ready  for  an  attack." 

Miss  Hetty  was  peculiarly  erect,  her  lips  peculiarly 
rigid,  her  eyes  peculiarly  bent  on  that  occasion,  as  she 
took  the  proffered  seat. 

"  All  well,  Mrs.  Hastings  ?  "  inquired  the  lady. 

"  Quite  well,  thank  you,"  was  the  reply. 

A  silence  of  a  minute,  a  clearing  of  the  throat,  then 
an  opening  of  the  battery : 

"  Your  visitors  must  be  quite  a  trial,  I  should  think, 
Mrs.  Hastings." 

"  They  are  my  mother  and  sister,"  replied  the  lady, 
with  quiet  dignity. 

"Yes,  I  know.     Tractarians,  are  they  not?" 

"  They  attend  upon  such  a  ministry,  Miss  Hetty." 

Another  silence,  then  another  discharge : 

"  If  I  were  you,  I  would  advise  them  to  refrain  from 
their  singular  bowings,  at  St.  Barnabas' ;  it  is  very  offen- 
sive to  the  people,  especially  in  the  pastor's  pew." 

"It  would  not  become  me,  I  think,  to  interfere  with 
lhpir  ideas  of  public  worship." 


64  WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  It  gives  great  offence,  Mrs.  Hastings,  and  excites  nol 
a  little  ridicule :  then  they  are  such  a  very  dashing  pah, 
that  their  conduct  is  peculiarly  disagreeable." 

"I  am  sorry  that  you  feel  so,  Miss  Hetty;  but,  really, 
it  is  not  in  my  power  to  interfere." 

"  While  I  am  speaking,  I  might  as  well  be  a  little 
plain,  my  dear.  Do  you  know  that  there  is  a  great  deal 
of  talk  in  some  quarters,  about  the  dress  of  our  minister's 
wife  ?  Old  Mrs.  Lisle  was  a  very  plain  lady,  and  the 
contrast  is  quite  striking." 

"I  was  not  aware  that  I  was  stepping  out  of  the 
bounds  of  moderation  becoming  my  station  as  a  Chris 
tian  lady,  Miss  Hetty." 

"You  wear  articles  of  jewelry,  and  other  tasty  deco- 
rations. Let  me  repeat  a  few  passages  of  Scripture, 
which  you  may  have  overlooked :  '  Whose  adorning,  let 
it  not  be  that  outward  adorning  of  plaiting  the  hair, 
and  of  wearing  of  gold,  or  of  putting  on  of  apparel.' " 

"  I  have  often  read  the  passage,  Miss  Hetty,  and  a 
kindred  one,  also,  which  enjoins  the  '  women  to  adorn 
themselves  in  modest  apparel,  with  shamefacedness  and 
sobriety ;  not  with  broidered  hair,  or  gold,  or  pearls,  or 
costly  array.'  Mr.  Hastings  and  I  have  often  discussed 
them,  and  I  have  concluded  that  they  are  intended  to 
check  the  tendency  of  that  age  and  people ;  and  while 
we  must  pay  some  attention  to  the  customs  of  the  world 
in  which  we  live,  whatever  is  contrary  to  the  rule  of 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  66 

Christian  shamefacedness  or  sobriety,  must  be  avoided, 
as  becometh  saints." 

"  And  so  you  justify  the  wearing  of  rings  and  breast- 
pins, Mrs.  Hastings?" 

Emily  smiled  at  the  look  of  surprise  on  the  face  of  in- 
spector number  two. 

"  I  have  a  few,  the  gifts  of  dear  friends,  which,  in 
wearing,  I  do  not  feel  that  I  offend  against  the  law  of 
Christian  simplicity  :  at  all  events,  Miss  Hetty,  I  think 
my  husband  is  the  best  interpreter  of  Scripture  at  St. 
Barnabas'  —  he  is  to  me,  at  least." 

Miss  Hetty  drew  up  her  neck  to  a  still  greater  degrea 
of  erectness,  as  she  replied,  "I  am  sorry  that  my 
advice  is  thrown  away." 

"By  no  means,  Miss  Hetty:  your  motives  may  be  al! 
right,  and  a  little  free  discussion  is  good  for  Christians, 
at  all  times." 

"You  would  have  much  more  influence  if  you  would 
only  pay  a  little  attention  to  my  hints,  my  dear.  But  I 
must  be  going :  I  have  many  calls  to  make  to-day.  Good 
morning,  Mrs.  Hastings.  No  offence,  I  hope,  my  dear?  " 

"  None  whatever,  Miss  Hetty ;  I  am  getting  accus- 
tomed to  free  remarks." 

Father  Morgan  had  overheard  all  the  conversation,  and 
entering  the  room  with  a  smile,  he  said,  imitating  Miss 
Hetty's  manner  to  perfection : 

"  No  offence,  I  hope,  my  dear,"  as,  with  an  erect  head 
0*  E 


66  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

and  precise,  measured  step,  he  crossed  the  room,  and  thi-n 
returning,  continued : 

"  Pretty  well  done,  my  dear.  I  don't  think  Miss  Hetty 
will  come  again  with  her  budget  of  advice." 

Mrs.  Hastings  was  laughing  heartily  at  the  exact 
imitation  of  her  late  visitor,  head  erect,  eyes  bent,  and 
hands  folded. 

"  I  don't  mind  them  as  much  as  I  did  Father  Morgan  ; 
but  I  own  that  they  do  disturb  my  temper,  sometimes 
and  I  feel  very  much  like  excusing  myself  to  some  of 
these  meddlers." 

These  were  the  little  foxes  that  spoiled  the  tender 
grapes  of  Emily's  peace,  not  her  piety. 

There  were  -many  trials  connected  with  Mrs.  Warren  s 
sojourn  at  the  parsonage,  and  when  the  visit  was  at  au 
end,  it  was  with  a  quiet  sense  of  relief  that  Emily 
returned  to  the  sweet  and  holy  calm  of  her  daily  life. 

It  is  the  evening  for  the  meeting  of  the  choir,  and 
very  soothing  was  the  heavenly  music  to  the  rector  and 
his  wife.  There  were  several  fine  voices  belonging  to 
the  choir,  and  united  as  the  group  was  in  Christian  faith 
and  hope,  none  of  the  church  gatherings  were  more 
elevating  than  this,  for  were  they  not  celebrating  praises 
that  they  hoped  to  sing  forever  in  the  better  land  ?  The 
echoes  of  the  melody  reached  Mrs.  Lacey's  parlor,  and 
stealing  softly  across  the  garden,  she  stood  outside  of  the 
window,  enjoying  the  harmony.  Mrs.  Hastings  thought 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  67 

that  she  heard  footsteps  by  the  window,  and  opening  the 
shutters,  she  recognized  the  doctor's  wife. 

"  Come  in,  Mrs.  Lacey,"  said  the  lady ; "  you  are  always 
welcome  at  these  meetings." 

The  evening  was  closed  with  fervent  prayer,  and  each 
member  felt  it  a  privilege  to  join  this  weekly  gathering 
at  the  parsonage. 

"  There  is  a  message  from  Mrs.  Raymond,"  said  Emily 
to  her  husband  ;  "she  is  very  ill,  and  wants  to  see  you  at 
once." 

The  good  pastor  hastened  to  the  bedside  of  the  dying 
saint,  where,  sustained  by  faith  in  Jesus,  not  in  sacra- 
ments, he  found  her  gently  passing  to  her  everlasting 
rest 

"  God  bless  you,  my  dear  pastor,  for  all  your  kindness 
and  fidelity  to  me,"  said  the  faint,  weak  voice.  "I 
am  going  to  my  Saviour  and  my  God,  where  I  shall 
meet  the  dear  ones  that  have  gone  before :  prepare  to 
follow  me  to  that  better  land.  I  have  remembered  dear 
St.  Barnabas',  for  it  has  been  a  sweet  haven  of  rest  to 
me,  in  my  pilgrimage." 

Mr.  Hastings  told  Susan  to  get  a  room  ready  for  him, 
for  he  should  not  leave  the  house  until  all  was  over. 

A  night  of  wrestling  with  the  death-angel  brought  a 
morning  of  release  to  the  sufferer ;  and  as  her  pastor 
closed  the  eyes  of  the  departed,  he  said,  "Blessed  are 
the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord." 

A  solemn  funeral  at  St.  Barnabas',  a  quiet  resting- 


68  WE8TBKOOK     PARSONAGE. 

place  beneath  the  shadow  of  its  sacred  walls,  aiid  the 
last  will  and  testament  of  the  departed  was  read  —  be- 
queathing five  thousand  dollars  to  St.  Barnabas',  a  settle- 
ment upon  her  faithful  servant,  Susan  Roberts,  the 
principal,  at  her  death,  to  go  to  the  poor  of  the  church 
that  she  loved. 

Thus  life  flowed  on  at  St.  Barnabas'  —  the  pastor  and 
his  young  wife  identified  with  all  the  joys  and  sorrows 
of  its  people ;  their  own  Christ-life  deepening  and  widen- 
ing amid  the  numerous  cares  and  duties  which  met  them 
in  their  daily  walks.  The  bond  between  pastor  and 
people  was  daily  strengthened,  and  it  was  difficult  to 
imagine  what  could  break  the  tie  which  bound  Edward 
Hastings  to  St.  Barnabas'. 

The  sacramental  host  of  God's  elect  were  marchmg 
on  to  glory,  under  the  guidance  of  a  holy  pastor  —  the 
trials  of  daily  life,  mellowing  and  softening  human  as- 
perities, and  bringing  the  real  children  of  God  nearer 
and  nearer  to  the  Master;  wheat  and  chaff  growing 
together  until  the  reaping  day,  the  chaff  then  to  be  con- 
sumed, and  the  wheat  to  be  gathered  into  the  heavenly 
garner. 

Blessed  are  they  who  are  ready  for  the  sifting ! 

Wheat  and  chaff!  solemn  words!  Which  nm  I? 
Reader,  which  art  thou  ? 


CHAPTER  V. 

FRAGRANCE. 

"  Behold,  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell 
together  in  unity." 

TTIIGHTEElir  mile-stones  have  been  passed  by  the 
-"  dwellers  at  the  parsonage  since  last  we  met  them. 
The  rector  of  St.  Barnabas'  has  received  many  calls 
since  then  to  leave  his  parish  —  some  from  city  churches, 
to  more  extensive  fields  of  labor,  holding  out  large  in- 
ducements to  tempt  him  from  the  church  of  his  early 
love ;  but  to  all  he  had  the  one  answer : 

"  How  can  I  leave  the  children  that  I  have  baptized, 
the  flock  that  I  have  seen  confirmed  ?  How  can  I  part 
from  those  with  whom  I  have  held  such  sweet  and  hea- 
venly communion  at  the  table  of  our  Lord  ?  I  love  my 
people.  Many  I  have  joined  in  the  holy  bonds  of  mat- 
rimony :  I  have  travelled  with  them  through  their  first 
trembling  steps  to  the  Cross ;  have  watched  their  suc- 
ceeding march  along  the  heavenly  way  ;  have  rejoiced 
over  my  spiritual  children  when  they  walked  in  the 
truth,  or  mourned  over  them  when  they  have  taken 
backward  steps  in  their  Christian  course.  I  have  prayed 
with  them  by  the  death-bed  of  their  loved  ones,  and 


70 


have  committed  their  precious  dust  to  the  silent  grave, 
in  the  hope  of  a  glorious  resurrection. 

"  I  cannot  leave  them !  Let  me  labor  for  the  deai 
people  of  St.  Barnabas'  so  long  as  I  have  health  and 
strength.  They  are  a  kind  and  faithful  people.  As  my 
family  has  increased,  so  has  their  bounty.  No,  no !  I 
cannot  leave  St.  Barnabas'.  I  am  theirs  for  life,  or  as 
long  as  they  can  use  me.  I  looked  out  of  my  study 
window  this  morning,  and  watched  the  pigeons  flying 
around  the  steeple,  flitting  in  and  out  of  the  loop-holes 
that  afforded  the  pretty  creatures  a  shelter.  I  love 
the  innocent  birds  that  make  their  home  in  my  Father's 
house,  and  tears  filled  my  eyes  at  the  thought  of  hear- 
ing their  cooing  no  more." 

Mr.  Hastings  writes  thus  to  Father  Morgan  on  the 
subject : 

"  I  took  the  call  to  St.  John's,  and  read  it  in  the  sum- 
mer-house. I  looked  up  at  the  dear  church-spire  point- 
ing ever  to  the  way  that  leads  to  heaven,  and  then  round 
upon  the  grand  old  trees ;  and  great,  large  tears  filled 
my  eyes  at  the  thought  of  the  time  when  I  might  look 
upon  these  dear  objects  no  more. 

"  I  went  into  the  church,  for  it  was  time  for  evening 
service.  I  walked  up  the  aisle,  and  felt  the  clasp  of 
childish  hands,  and  saw  the  loving  beams  of  sweet, 
familiar  eyes.  Seated  in  the  chancel,  I  looked  at  the 
dear  old  pulpit  and  the  reading-desk.  I  glanced  along 
the  aisles  at  every  pew,  and  thought  of  the  occupants 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  71 

that  had  sat  there  during  all  my  ministry  ;  and,  with  a 
heart  bursting  with  emotion,  I  said,  No  !  Dear  St.  Bar- 
nabas'! I  must  not  —  cannot  leave  you.  Just  then  the 
organist  entered,  and,  unconscious  of  my  presence, 
played  the  hymn  I  love  so  much,  and  which  for  so 
many  years  we  have  sung  at  our  Friday-night  lecture: 

"Far  from  iny  thoughts,  vain  world,  begone; 

Let  my  religious  hoars  alone; 
From  flesh  and  sense  I  would  be  free, 
And  hold  communion,  Lord,  with  thee." 

I  covered  my  face  with  my  hands,  and  yielded  to  the 
emotions  of  the  solemn  hour.  No,  no  ;  I  cannot  leave 
St.  Barnabas'.  I  passed  into  the  vestry-room,  and  pre- 
pared for  evening  service,  relieved  at  the  thought  that 
I  was  not  to  leave  the  people  that  I  loved." 

And  thus  the  pastor  was  wedded  anew  to  his  devoted 
Hock. 

Great  changes  have  passed  upon  the  parsonage,  two 
wings  having  been  added  to  the  building,  one  opening 
on  the  orchard,  the  other  on  the  garden.  There  is  quite 
a  family  there  now,  and  we  will  take  a  peep  at  the  group 
out  in  the  fruit  orchard  on  a  pleasant  afternoon  in 
spring. 

Apple-blossoms  are  covering  with  their  delicate  bloom 
the  lo\r,  green  trees,  and  filling  the  air  with  their  sweet 
fragrance,  while  the  rays  of  the  late  afternoon  sun  are 
streaming  in  through  the  opening  branches  from  the 


72  WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

western  sky,  lighting  up  the  fresh  greensward  and  the 
group  of  happy  children  scattered  over  the  pretty 
orchard.  Not  more  fragrant,  however,  is  the  sweet 
perfume  of  the  lovely  blossoms  than  the  odor  of  sanctity 
filling  the  atmosphere  of  Westbrook  Parsonage ;  and  it 
is  more  than  probable  that,  in  the  dim  future,  the  same 
delicate  perfume  will  always  bring  back  to  that  house- 
hold the  memory  of  that  holy,  blessed  home.  Let  us 
make  the  acquaintance  of  the  youthful  inmates. 

Warren,  a  boy  of  fifteen,  is  stretched  upon  the  grass, 
face  downward,  poring  over  a  book.  He  is  tall  and 
slender,  with  an  intellectual  face,  dark-brown  hair  and 
eyes,  wearing  a  look  of  deep,  earnest  thought.  Allan, 
the  second  boy,  is  drawing  his  brother  Edward  round  in 
a  carriage.  Alice,  a  girl  of  eleven,  is  amusing  her  sister 
Lucy  with  a  book  of  bright  pictures.  It  is  a  lovely  group 
scattered  over  the  soft,  mossy  carpet  of  living  green 
So  thinks  the  mother,  who  is  looking  at  them  from  the 
window  of  the  sitting-room  in  the  new  wing. 

Suddenly  Alice  raises  her  eyes,  and  crying  out, 
"Papa!  papa!"  drops  her  book,  Allan  the  carriage,  and 
they  all  scamper  oft",  save  Warren,  who  is  intent  upon 
his  book,  and  follows  slowly.  A  gentleman  is  coming 
up  the  path,  carpet-bag  in  hand.  Lucy  seizes  one  hand, 
Alice  the  other ;  Allan  and  Edward  dance  on  before  to 
announce  the  arrival.  But  Margaret,  a  girl  of  seven- 
teen, is  before  them,  and,  seizing  the  carpet-bag,  hastens 


WESTBROOK     PARdONAGE.  73 

in  to  call  mamma ;  but  she  is  coming,  with  a  frail,  del- 
icate infant  in  her  arms. 

The  joy  of  reunion  expresses  itself  in  tender  ca- 
resses and  words  of  sweet  affection.  Eighteen  years  of 
labor  have  left  their  marks  upon  the  pastor's  holy  coun- 
tenance: the  face  is  pale  and  worn,  the  light  brown 
hair  is  thin  and  scattered ;  there  is  a  look  of  spirituality 
over  the  whole  countenance,  and  a  want  of  elasticity  in 
the  slow  and  measured  footsteps  very  different  from  the 
buoyant  tread  of  the  first  years  of  his  ministry  at  St. 
Barnabas'  —  all  marks  of  ripening  for  the  heavenly  in- 
heritance. 

The  pastor's  wife  is  changed  also.  Sweet  young  wo- 
manhood has  given  place  to  the  more  sober  aspect  of 
the  Christian  matron  ;  there  is  a  sweet  smile  of  perfect 
peace  upon  the  still  lovely  countenance  —  that  look 
which  we  see  upon  the  face  of  the  Madonna. 

They  have  shared  life's  joys  and  sorrows,  and  together 
they  have  trod  those  blessed  paths  which  lead  home  to 
heaven.  They  have  learned  much  of  the  preciousness 
of  Jesus  under  the  teachings  of  that  blessed  Spirit  whose 
office  it  is  to  reveal  the  Saviour  to  the  thirsty  soul ;  and 
Emily  Hastings  is  learning  each  day  to  know  and  love 
her  Lord  still  more  and  more. 

The  Master  hath  wisely  set  Christians  in  families  as 
beacon-lights  to  the  world  around ;  and  such  is  the 
household  at  Westbrook  Parsonage. 

Composed  of  human  beings,  not  angels,  sharing  the 


74  WESTBROOK     PAR  SO  .NAG  E. 

common  taint  which  has  passed  upon  all  the  race,  they 
know  the  value  of  the  fountain  of  a  Saviour's  blood, 
and  daily  do  they  lead  the  dear  ones  committed  to  their 
care,  at  least  within  reach  of  its  drops  of  sprinkling. 

The  children  are  like  others  —  neither  worse,  as  is  so 
often  uncharitably  asserted,  nor  better  naturally  than 
others.  Seated  on  a  pinnacle,  it  is  true  that  they  :ire 
more  observed  than  the  children  of  private  families  ; 
nence  the  criticisms  which  follow  them.  These,  at  least, 
are  in  better  circumstances  than  many  others ;  for  they 
are  daily  viewing  the  Christ-life  of  their  parents,  daily 
the  subjects  of  earnest,  believing  prayer. 

We  are  in  their  midst  now ;  and,  seated  on  a  lounge 
between  his  wife  and  daughter  Margaret,  the  good  pas- 
tor is  telling  about  his  visit : 

"We  have  had  a  precious  season,  Emily.  The  breth- 
ren of  our  convocation  are  so  united,  and  had  much  to 
tell  of  the  work  of  the  Spirit  among  their  flocks ;  and 
we  are  always  happy  when  the  work  of  the  Lord  is 
prospering." 

Margaret  watched  the  wearied  look  on  her  father's 
face,  and  said,  "  You  are  tired,  papa ;  if  you  will  go  up 
to  your  room,  I  will  run  out  and  hurry  up  an  early 
supper." 

"Papa  has  come,  Debby,"  said  the  young  girl. 
"  Make  a  good  cup  of  chocolate ;  you  know  he  is  fond 
of  that  when  he  is  tired." 

The  good  woman  was  always  glad  to  wait  upon  the 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  75 

nead  of  the  family,  and  replied,  "  I  '11  have  a  nice  one 
iii  a  very  short  time,  Miss  Margaret ;  you  may  be  sure 
of  that." 

Seated  around  the  table,  all  had  something  to  tell  of 
what  had  passed  in  papa's  absence.  Warren  was  some- 
what of  a  quiz,  and  sometimes,  like  other  elder  brothers, 
took  pleasure  in  teasing  the  younger  ones. 

"  Do  you  know,  papa,"  said  the  youth,  "  that  Sir 
Charles  and  Lady  Anne  have  had  a  falling  out?  I 
neard  a  great  noise  in  the  attic  on  the  last  rainy  day,  and 
listening  at  the  keyhole,  I  found  Miss  Lucy  delivering 
a  long  lecture  to  the  two  on  the  wickedness  of  their 
conduct.  I  opened  the  door,  and  behold  the  two  were 
placed  back  to  back,  having  had  a  dreadful  quarrel." 

"  It  was  only  play,  papa ;  and  I  don't  think  that  it 
is  kind  in  brother  Warren  to  make  fun  of  our  sports." 

These  worthies  spoken  of  were  two  pictures  left  by 
the  former  residents,  dressed  in  the  costume  of  the  last 
century,  and  which  afforded  much  amusement  to  the  chil- 
dren on  rainy  days,  personating  all  sorts  of  characters. 

"  What  book  is  that  which  you  were  reading  so  in- 
tently in  the  orchard,  Warren?"  said  the  father. 

"  Volney's  Ruins,  papa,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Where  did  you  get  it,  my  son?" 

"  From  Dr.  Arnold's  library.  He  has  given  me  the 
free  use  of  all  his  books,  papa." 

"I  would  rather  that  you  shoald  not  read  books  of 
that,  class.  Warren,  until  you  are  older." 


76  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  It 's  just  the  kind  of  book  that  I  like  :  it  sets  me  to 
contradicting,  and  asking  questions,  papa." 

"  Contradicting  what,  my  son  ?  " 

"  Everything,  papa.     I  always  like  the  opposite  side." 

The  father  looked  troubled,  for  this  cast  of  mind  had 
developed  itself  in  the  days  of  earliest  childhood,  when 
"Warren,  in  lisping  tones,  asked  "  Who  made  God  ?  "  and 
"  Who  made  Satan  ?  "  and  "  Why  did  God  let  sin  come 
into  the  world.  Is  n't  God  stronger  than  the  Evil 
One  ?  "  and  "  Why  did  He  let  him  into  the  garden  ?  " 

Just  such  knotty  questions  had  the  boy  asked  all 
the  days  of  his  life,  and  the  father  feared  that  the  soil 
of  Warren's  heart  was  only  too  well  prepared  for  the 
seeds  of  unbelief. 

Warren  sat  playing  with  his  knife  and  fork,  his  eyes 
bent  thoughtfully  upon  his  plate. 

"Oughtn't  we  to  read  both  sides  of  a  question, 
papa?" 

"  Whom  do  you  mean  by  we,  Warren  ? "  and  the 
father  smiled  at  the  consequential  pronoun. 

"  Every  one  that  has  the  power  of  thinking,  papa." 

"  When  the  mind  is  well  stored  with  Scripture  truths, 
the  judgment  formed,  and  the  imagination  under  proper 
control,  then,  perhaps,  it  may  be  safe  to  read  on  both 
sides  of  difficult  questions ;  but  not  in  the  crude  days  of 
hot  boyhood,  Warren." 

Turning  to  his  second  son,  he  asked,  "  And  what  have 
you  been  about,  Allan  ?  " 


WESTBltOOK     PAKSONAGE.  77 

"Margaret  and  I  have  learned  two  new  pieces,  papa: 
we  will  play  them  for  you,  after  tea ;  and  I  have  com- 
menced a  new  piece  of  drawing,  too." 

"And  Alice?" 

"  I  have  hemmed  two  pocket-handkerchiefs  and  two 
bands  for  you,  papa,  beside  all  my  lessons  at  school,  and 
helped  mamma,  by  playing  with  baby  when  she  was 
busy." 

"  And  Master  Edward  ? " 

"I  —  I — "  and  the  boy  looked  up  to  the  ceiling, 
with  a  puzzled  expression.  "  Well,  papa,"  counting  his 
labors  on  his  fingers,  "  I  've  fed  old  Boss  every  day, 
and  learned  my  lessons  for  mamma,  and  I  tried  to  put 
things  to  rights  in  your  study,  papa;  but  —  but  —  I 
broke  the  large  inkstand,  and  stained  the  carpet." 

"  There,  there,  that  will  do,  Edward." 

"  Now  for  Sunbeam,"  and  the  father  turned  to  Lucy, 
with  a  loving  look. 

"  I  made  some  iron-holders  for  Debby,  to  keep  her 
poor  old  hands  from  getting  burned,  learned  lessons  for 
mamma,  stringed  the  beans  —  and  I  didn't  forget  my 
prayers,  papa." 

"  Now,  children,  what  are  the  texts  for  the  week  ?  for 
you  know  that  I  have  been  away  for  five  days." 

"  The  subject  was  the  character  of  God,"  replied  Mar- 
garet. 

"  Well,  what  have  you  to  say,  my  daughter? " 
7* 


78  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

'"God  is  a  Spirit,  and  they  that  worship  him  must 
worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.' " 

"  And  yours,  Warren  ?  " 

" '  God  is  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,'  and  { I  am 
that  I  am.'  That  is  a  deep  thought,  papa.  How  is  it  ? 
—  without  beginning,  and  without  end  —  how  can  that 
be?" 

"That  is  a  description  of  the  unfathomable  God, 
Warren :  it  is  not  for  man  to  answer  how  such  a  Being 
can  exist." 

Then,  turning  to  Allan,  the  father  asked,  "  Now,  my 
son,  what  have  you  to  say  ?  " 

"  He  is  the  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect ;  for  all  his  ways 
are  judgment:  a  God  of  truth,  and  without  iniquity, 
just  and  right  is  he." 

"And  Alice,  my  love?" 

" '  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every  place,  beholding 
the  evil  and  the  good.'  " 

"  I  am  ready  for  yours,  Edward." 

"  *  God  is  love ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love  dwelleth 
in  God  and  God  in  him.' " 

"  And  Sunbeam's  ?  " 

" '  But  ye  have  received  the  spirit  of  adoption,  whereby 
we  cry  Abba,  Father.'  '  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  wit- 
ness with  our  spirit,  that  we  are  the  children  of  God.' " 

"  Very  good  texts,  my  dear  children ;  yet  this  is  onlj 
a  glimpse  of  his  infinite  perfections ;  but  you  have  learned 
something.  Now  these  are  solemn  Scripture  truths,  for 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  79 

from  all  these  passages  we  learn  some  duty:  if,  therefore, 
God  is  a  Spirit,  Margaret,  what  duty  does  it  require?" 

"  That  we  must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth  ;  is 
it  not  so,  papa  ? " 

"That  is  correct,  my  dear.  Can  you  tell  me  who 
only  worship  him  thus  ?  " 

"  The  true  children  of  God,  papa  —  those  taught  by 
the  Spirit." 

"  Now,  Warren,  what  do  you  learn  from  the  passages 
on  the  eternity  of  God  ?  " 

"  I  learn  to  stand  in  awe  of  such  a  mysterious  Being, 
papa." 

"  What  from  his  justice,  and  truth,  and  holiness  ?  " 

"To  trust  him  with  everything,  and  know  that  all  his 
doings  are  perfectly  right.  I  learn  also  to  fear  sin,  since 
God  hates  it,"  replied  Allan. 

"  What  from  his  omniscience,  Alice  ?  " 

"  That  we  must  fear  to  offend  in  deed  and  thought, 
because  he  is  always  present  to  read  our  hearts." 

"  Can  Edward  tell  what  his  beautiful  passage  teaches 
him?" 

"That  we  ought  to  love  such  a  kind  and  gracious 
God  with  all  our  hearts,  papa." 

"Sunbeam's  is  the  best  of  all,"  said  the  father,  "  for 
she  has  learned  that  we  may  call  this  great  and  good 
and  holy  God  our  Father.     Which  of  you  can  tell  mo 
how  that  can  be  done?  for  by  nature,  we  are  the  chi" 
dren  of  wrath,  and  at  war  with  him." 


80 


"  By  adoption,  papa,"  said  Margaret ;  "  for  we  learn 
that  by  a  true  and  living  faith  in  Jesus,  we  are  adopted 
into  the  family  of  God,  so  that  we  can  call  him  '  Abba, 
Father.' " 

"  Blessed  and  holy  privilege !  "  said  the  pastor,  as  he 
looked  around  upon  those  he  loved.  "  May  you  all  be 
His,  my  dear  children." 

Then  came  the  sweet  service  of  family  prayer,  the 
father  presiding  at  the  organ,  while  with  full  hearts  they 
sang  the  precious  hymn : 

"  Lord,  with  glowing  heart  I  'd  praise  Thee 

For  the  bliss  Thy  love  bestows; 
For  the  pardoning  grace  that  saves  me, 
And  the  peace  that  from  it  flows." 

Happy  household !  brought  so  close  unto  the  Father 
in  these  impressible  days.  How  many  of  our  most  emi- 
nent men  date  the  dawn  of  their  spiritual  life  from  such 
family  altars  as  this !  Here  are  the  seeds  of  imperish- 
able truth  sown.  Here  are  wafted  down  the  gales  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  Here  descend  angelic  spirits  to  ward  off 
harm  from  the  dwellings  of  the  just;  and  here  is  inhaled 
that  sweet  fragrance  of  piety,  never  to  be  forgotten  in 
the  days  to  come,  when  the  perfume  of  sweet  apple- 
blossoms  will  always  return  laden  with  the  memories  of 
blessed  orisons  at  Westbrook  Parsonage. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

SOWING  BESIDE   ALL   WATERS. 
"BlesSed  are  ye  that  sow  beside  all  waters." 

T  HAVE  just  had  a  visit  from  Miss  White,"  said  the 
•*-  wife,  in  meeting  her  husband  at  the  dinner-table. 
"  She  came  to  ask  me  to  take  charge  of  the  Bible  class, 
which  now  is  without  a  teacher.  But  I  do  not  see  how 
I  can  leave  home  so  early  in  the  morning,  and  do  my 
duty  by  the  children." 

"Our  first  duties  are  to  the  church  that  is  in  our 
house,  Emily,  and  to  this  we  must  be  faithful." 

"  There  are  six  to  prepare  for  Sunday  school.  Margaret 
aids  me,  it  is  true  ;  but  I  never  allow  Edward  and  Lucy 
to  go  without  reciting  their  lessons,  and  then  it  is  time 
to  prepare  for  church.  I  have  taken  Mrs.  Lacey's  place 
in  the  mothers'  meeting,  for  those  I  can  meet  at  home." 

"  It  is  a  blessed  field,  Emily,  for  there  you  can  give  the 
benefit  of  your  experience." 

"It  is  very  interesting,  husband,  and  I  trust  that 
there  I  may  do  good  among  an  humble  class  of  society — 
the  women  are  so  grateful.  Then  little  Emily  is  so  deli- 
cate, that  she  requires  my  constant  care;  but  she  is 

F  81 


82  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

better  now,  and  I  think  that  we  might  venture  to  take 
her  to  church  next  Sunday :  she  is  five  months  old,  and 
ought  to  be  baptized." 

"  If  the  day  is  fine,  let  it  be  so,  Emily." 

Accordingly,  on  the  following  Sunday,  the  little  lamb 
was  received  into  the  congregation  of  Christ's  flock,  and 
signed  with  the  sign  of  the  cross,  "  in  token  that  here- 
after she  should  not  be  ashamed  to  confess  the  faith  of 
Christ  crucified." 

"  What  does  the  service  mean,  papa  ? "  said  Margaret, 
"  When  it  says,  'Seeing  now  that  this  child  is  regenerate, 
does  it  mean  that  the  child  is  spiritually  renewed? 

"  That  is  not  my  interpretation.  I  think  the  following 
clause  does  much  in  the  way  of  explaining,  when  it  con- 
tinues '  and  grafted  into  the  body  of  Christ's  church. 
Spiritual  renewal  may  sometimes  accompany  the  ordi- 
nance ;  but  not  invariably,  as  experience  proves  abun- 
dantly;  for  how  many  baptized  children  grow  up  wholly 
destitute  of  spiritual  piety !  " 

"  That  is  true,  papa  ;  but  as  there  are  two  Christian 
sacraments,  there  must  be  some  benefit  derived  from 
what  the  Saviour  instituted  himself." 

"True,  my  daughter:  by  this  sacrament,  children  are 
received  into  the  outward  fold  of  Christ's  church  on 
earth,  are  the  subjects  of  the  prayers  of  Christians,  and, 
if  the  parents  keep  the  vows  made  at  that  time,  are 
trained  in  the  paths  of  piety,  to  which  God  has  promised 
his  blessing.  If  such  an  important  doctrine  as  spiritual 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  83 

regeneration  were  connected  with  this  sacrament,  would 
not  the  Saviour  have  made  it  very  clear  at  its  institu- 
tion?" 

"  When  was  the  idea  first  connected  with  the  sacra- 
ment, papa?" 

"Not  in  the  days  of  the  apostles,  Margaret,  for  in  all 
the  records  of  the  New  Testament  it  is  like  all  the  insti- 
tutions of  our  Lord,  impressive  and  simple.  All  the 
mysteries  which  have  since  been  crowded  upon  it  have 
been  added  by  man.  "What  more  simple  than  the  lan- 
guage, '  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.'  " 

"  It  seems  a  pity,  papa,  that  the  word  should  be  kept 
in  our  Prayer  Book,  if  no  such  thing  is  in  the  New 
Testament." 

"  It  was  retained  at  the  time  of  the  compilation  of  the 
English  Prayer  Book,  and  may  bear  several  interpreta- 
tions. We  would  explain  it  by  the  Bible;  others  explain 
the  Bible  by  the  Prayer  Book.  It  is  a  great  privilege 
and  a  sacred  duty,  Margaret,  to  be  allowed  to  bring  our 
children  to  Jesus,  certain  that  a  blessing  will  attend 
upon  the  service,  if  we  only  come  in  faith,  believing." 

"  Now  our  little  Emily  is  a  Christian  child,  papa." 

"  In  one  sense  she  is,  my  dear,  a  member  of  the  house- 
hold of  Christ." 

"When  was  the  Prayer  Book  arranged,  papa?"  in- 
quired Allan. 

"  In  the  days  of  Edward  VI.  many  important  alters- 


84  WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

tions  were  made,  but  in  the  days  of  Queen  Elizabeth, 
still  more.  In  her  reign,  the  word  table  was  substituted 
for  that  of  altar,  for  the  idea  of  a  sacrifice  was  entirely 
repudiated  by  the  Reformers  of  those  early  days.  It  is 
a  pity  that  the  word  priest  has  been  retained  in  some  of 
the  offices ;  for  we  love  our  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
and  desire  to  see  it  just  as  perfect  as  a  human  composi- 
tion can  be  made." 

"  I  wonder  that  the  Reformers  did  not  see  what  these 
words  must  lead  to,"  said  the  wife ;  "  for  they  had  clear 
views  upon  vital  points,  and  regarded  them  worth  dying 
for." 

Touching  the  book  that  lay  upon  the  table,  the 
pastor  replied : 

"  Let  us  love  the  book,  my  children,  that  came  to  us 
from  men  like  these  —  only,  love  it  intelligently  and 
scripturally,  not  superstitiously :  the  Bible,  first  and 
best,  always ;  the  Prayer  Book,  as  it  reveals  the  truths 
of  Scripture,  and  guides  our  devotions." 

"  I  have  been  to  other  churches,  papa,"  answered 
Margaret,  "  but  always  came  back  to  my  own,  thankful 
that  we  have  forms  so  beautiful  in  which  to  worship  our 
God." 

"It  is  a  privilege,  my  daughter ;  but  never  allow 
yourself  to  doubt  the  piety  or  wisdom  of  those  who  differ 
from  us ;  for  some  of  my  most  valued  friends  are  in 
other  earthly  folds  than  ours,  but  there  are  the  same 
heart-throbs  of  love  to  a  common  Master,  and  it  is  quite 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  86 

impossible  for  a  true  Christian  not  to  love  that  image, 
wherever  it  is  found." 

Thus  did  this  faithful  servant  of  the  Lcrd  BOW  the 
seeds  of  truth  and  love  beside  all  waters,  the  Spirit  seal- 
ing the  words  as  they  sank  into  the  hearts  of  the  chil- 
dren of  the  parsonage. 

Watchful  to  embrace  all  occasions,  the  mother  with- 
held not  her  hand  in  scattering  the  same  precious 
seed. 

We  find  her,  one  morning,  entering  the  church,  while 
the  sexton  was  busy  in  cleaning  it,  to  get  the  box  of 
bands  from  the  vestry-room.  Passing  along  the  aisle, 
she  perceived  Edward  running  about  from  pew  to  pew, 
evidently  annoying  the  sexton  by  tossing  the  books  and 
cushions  out  of  their  places  as  fast  as  they  were  ar- 
ranged. 

"  Don't  do  so,  Edward,"  said  the  sexton ;  "  it  gives 
me  a  great  deal  of  trouble  to  put  them  all  back  again, 
and  I  know  that  your  papa  would  not  allow  it." 

Straightening  himself  up,  proudly,  the  boy  replied, 
"  Do  you  know  who  I  am,  Mr.  Robb  ?  I  am  Edward 
Hastings,  the  minister's  son." 

"  Yes,  and  the  more  is  the  shame  that  you  behave  so 
badly." 

By  this  time,  Mrs.  Hastings  had  reached  the  boy ; 
directly  taking  him  by  the  arm,  she  led  him  out  of  the 
church,  saying,  "  Come  with  me,  my  son,  I  have  much 

to  say  to  you." 
8 


86  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Edward  hung  his  head,  for  he  knew  that  he  had  be- 
haved badly  to  the  sexton. 

"What  did  you  mean,  Edward,  by  your  speech  to 
Mr.  Robb?" 

"  I  meant,  mamma,  that  he  had  no  right  to  reprove 
me ;  for  am  I  not  the  minister's  son  ?  " 

"  Suppose  that  you  are,  Edward,  does  that  make  it 
proper  that  you  should  speak  so  rudely  to  a  respectable 
man,  attending  quietly  to  his  business  ?  " 

"  I  guess  I  must  be  a  little  better  than  a  common  boy, 
mamma,  for  Miss  White  always  makes  a  fuss  over  me 
and  Lucy,  and  brings  us  loads  of  candy,  and  says  that 
we  are  pretty  and  smart." 

"  And  so,  Edward,  this  foolish  idea  of  yours  has  led 
you  to  be  impertinent  to  the  good  sexton.  Now  you 
must  go  directly  into  the  church,  and  make  your  apol 

ogy." 

Edward  hung  his  head.  "He's  a  working-man, 
mamma,  and  it  seems  hard  to  ask  his  pardon." 

"  You  have  brought  it  upon  yourself,  Edward :  it  must 
be  done." 

Taking  him  quietly  back  to  the  church,  she  led  him 
to  the  sexton's  side.  "  Edward  has  something  to  say  to 
you,  Mr.  Robb,"  said  the  lady,  with  a  grave  look  on  her 
fuce. 

"  Mamma  says  that  I  have  been  a  bad  boy,  Mr.  Robb. 
I  hope  that  you  will  excuse  me  this  once." 

"That  '11  do,  my  little  man :  children  are  very  apt  to 


WESTBROOK   PARSONAGE.  87 

got  foolish  notions  in  their  young  heads ;  but  you  've  got 
a  dear  mamma,  to  teach  you  what  is  right.  May  God 
bless  you,  and  make  you  like  your  father,  my  son !  " 

Edward  looked  up  into  his  mother's  face,  pressing  her 
hand  more  fondly,  for  the  boy  knew  that  this  was  true. 

"  We  must  lay  an  interdict  upon  the  children's  seeing 
general  visitors,  Edward,"  said  the  wife,  when  relating 
the  incident.  "  I  have  often  thought  that  the  foolish 
flattery  of  some  of  our  good  people  might  be  injurious: 
now  I  am  convinced  that  it  is  so,  and  we  must  do  as  we 
think  for  the  good  of  our  dear  children." 

"  Miss  Prudence  may  be  offended,  for  she  has  been 
very  kind  to  us,  Emily." 

"  I  will  be  candid,  husband,  and  tell  the  truth  :  she 
may  not  like  it  at  first,  but  that  will  wear  off." 

And  thus  the  interdict  was  wisely  laid  upon  general 
intercourse  with  the  parishioners. 

The  four  elder  children  of  the  family  were  in  attend- 
ance upon  Dr.  Arnold's  school,  a  select  establishment, 
where  a  few  boarders  were  received,  in  addition  to  about 
twenty-five  day  scholars  ;  the  domestic  department  being 
under  the  care  of  his  two  sisters.  Dr.  Arnold  ,vas  n 
prince  among  teachers,  well  qualified  to  conduct  the 
education  of  youth,  and  one  whom  Mr.  Hastings  could 
trust  entirely.  Much  attached  to  the  children  of  the 
parsonage,  he  was  most  careful  to  make  no  distinction 
in  the  government  of  his  pupils,  and  it  is  certain  thai 
his  just,  impartial  course  secured  the  universal  respect 


88  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

of  all  his  scholars.  His  school  was  daily  on  the  increase^ 
for  many  were  anxious  to  secure  a  place  for  their  chil- 
dren in  this  favored  establishment. 

"  I  wish  that  you  could  have  seen  Bob  Winter,  when 
he  came  into  school,  to-day,"  said  Warren ;  "  he  looked 
like  a  great,  awkward  booby,  with  his  long  legs  and 
anus  sticking  out  of  his  old  clothes ;  we  could  n't  help 
laughing  at  him,  but  the  doctor  gave  us  a  lecture  for  it 
afterward." 

"Not  more  than  you  deserved,  Warren,"  said  the 
father,  "  if  you  let  the  boy  see  that  you  were  ridiculing 
him.  Remember  that  he  is  the  only  son  of  a  poor  widow, 
but  a  good  and  faithful  boy,  and  ought  to  be  respected." 

"  Did  you  see  that  mean  fellow,  Richard  West,"  said 
Allan,  "  how  he  followed  Jenny  Chase  about  at  inter- 
mission-time ?  He  knew  that  she  had  some  good 
sponge-cake,  and  he  never  stopped  until  he  coaxed  away 
more  than  half  of  it.'* 

Then  Alice  joined  the  critics :  "  Did  you  ever  see  any 
one  like  Mary  Hope  ?  She  never  knows  her  lessons,  and 
there  she  sat  shaking  and  stuttering,  while  the  rest  were 
looking  on." 

"  Perhaps  it  was  just  because  they  were  looking  at  her 
that  prevented  her  from  reciting  well,"  said  Mrs.  Hast- 
ings. 

"This  is  very  unkind  talk,  children,"  said  papa. 
"  Suppose  that  we  change  the  subject." 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  89 

Next  day,  the  good  pastor  was  walking  around  the 
hack  of  the  house,  in  company  with  the  family  group. 

"  Did  you  ever  observe  how  that  gable  is  covered  with 
inoss,  Warren  ?  "  said  the  father,  pointing  to  that  part 
of  the  roof. 

"  Yes,  papa :  how  beautifully  green  it  is !  " 

"Do  you  know  what  is  underneath,  my  son?" 

"  A  mouldering  roof,  is  it  not,  papa  ?  " 

"  Yes,  beautiful  to  the  eye,  it  still  conceals  much  that 
js  offensive  and  decaying:  it  reminds  me,  children,  of  a 
verse  in  the  Bible,  which  says:  'for  charity  shall  cover 
the  multitude  of  sins.'  I  thought  of  it  yesterday,  when 
you  were  talking  so  freely  about  your  school-mates: 
doubtless  there  are  many  human  frailties  visible  in  that 
little  world ;  but  think  how  many  you  have  yourselves. 
Why  can't  you  be  like  that  soft  green  moss,  covering  so 
beautifully  the  decaying  roof?  " 

"  I  wish  I  were,  papa,"  said  Allan. 

Warren  was  silent,  but  only  because  he  felt  deeply 
the  power  of  this  gentle  reproof.  Walking  quietly  away, 
he  took  his  seat  in  the  summer-house,  evidently  thinking 
over  his  father's  words. 

We  will  step  in  at  Dr.  Arnold's  next  day.  Bob  Win- 
ter was  the  same  bashful  boy  as  on  the  day  of  his  first 
entrance.  Seated  by  himself  at  recess,  he  was  puzzling 
over  a  difficult  example,  and,  large  boy  that  he  was, 
Warren  saw  that  every  now  and  then  he  would  steal 

his  hand  up  quietly  to  wipe  the  moisture  that  would  come. 
8* 


90  WESTBfcOOK     PARSONAGE. 

"Shall  I  help  you,  Bob?"  said  Warren, taking  a  seat 
by  his  side. 

"I  am  a  little  puzzled,"  was  the  answer,  "  and  would 
be  very  thankful  for  just  a  few  words  of  explanation ;  I 
must  do  the  work  myself,  though." 

Warren  was  a  bright  mathematician,  and,  by  a  few 
clear  words,  set  the  boy  upon  the  right  track.  Raising 
bis  large,  dark  eyes,  Bob  Winter  spoke  his  gratitude. 
Warren  walked  away  happy,  and  thought  of  the  soft 
green  moss. 

Poor  little  Mary  Hope  was  in  trouble  too :  she  had 
failed  again  in  her  lessons,  and  was  seated  at  her  desk, 
her  face  bent  down  upon  her  small  fair  hands. 

"  What  is  the  matter,  Mary?"  said  Alice.  "Can  I 
help  you  ?  Do  you  study  your  lessons,  Mary  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  idle,  Alice :  I  learn  my  lessons,  and  say 
them  perfectly  to  my  mother  before  I  leave  home ;  but  I 
get  frightened,  and  then  I  can't  say  one  word,  and  the 
girls  all  laugh  at  me,  and  think  me  stupid." 

"  Forgive  me,  Mary ;  I  was  one,"  said  Alice ;  "  I  thought 
you  were  lazy ;  but  I  won't  do  so  any  more,  Mary.  I  '11 
ask  Miss  Darling  to  let  us  sit  together,  and  I  '11  put  my 
arm  around  you  when  your  turn  comes,  and  try  to  be 
your  friend.  Don't  cry  so,  Mary." 

Then  the  gentle  girl  pressed  a  kiss  on  the  little  trem- 
bler's cheek,  and  thought  of  the  soft  green  moss,  as  she 
led  her  out  into  the  play-ground.  Allan  too  remem- 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  91 

bered  the  lesson,  as  he  heard  Lewis  Barr  recounting  the 
wrong-doings  of  Harry  Seymour. 

"Wouldn't  it  be  better  to  say  nothing  about  them, 
Lewis  ?  "  said  the  boy,  as  he  stopped  a  moment  at  the 
desk  —  and  all  the  way  down  stairs  repeating  the  sweet 
ivords  which  his  father  had  quoted  the  day  before  :  "  for 
charity  shall  cover  the  multitude  of  sins." 

"  What  is  the  subject  for  to-day,  children?"  said  papa 
at  morning  prayer. 

"The  immortality  of  the  soul, and  our  accountability," 
replied  Margaret. 

"  What  have  you,  my  daughter  ?  " 

"  '  And  the  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  the 
ground,  and  breathed  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life, 
and  man  became  a  living  soul.'  " 

"  What  do  you  gather  from  the  word  '  living,'  in  that 
passage  ?  " 

"  I  suppose,  papa,  that  God  breathed  into  Adam  a 
part  of  His  own  nature,  and  thus  man  became  immor- 
tal." 

"  That  is  correct,  my  child.  Now  it  is  your  turn 
Warren." 

" '  But  now  is  made  manifest  by  the  appearing  of  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  abolished  death,  and  hath 
brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  by  the  gospel.' " 

"  What  have  you  found  upon  the  subject,  Allan  ?  " 

"  '  And  fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are  uol 
able  tu  kill  the  soul/  " 


92  WESTBBOOK     PARSQNAGE. 

"  What  has  Alice  on  the  subject  of  accountability  ? '' 

" '  For  we  must  all  appear  before  the  judgment-seat  of 
Christ.'" 

"  I  am  ready  for  Edward's  now." 

"  'For  God  shall  bring  every  work  into  judgment  with 
every  secret  thought,  whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it 
be  evil.' " 

"  Now  my  little  Lucy's." 

" '  So  then  every  one  of  ua  shall  give  account  of  him- 
self to  God.'" 

"  These  are  solemn  truths,  my  children ;  let  us  remem- 
ber them  every  day  and  hour  of  our  mortal  lives." 

"If  we  are  to  give  account  of  our  most  secret 
thoughts,"  said  Margaret,  "  who  can  stand  in  the  last 
awful  day,  papa  ?  " 

"  Not  one,  in  his  own  righteousness,  my  child  ;  but 
clothed  in  the  perfect  righteousness  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  we  need  not  shrink  from  one  who  is  not  only  our 
Judge,  but  our  Advocate  with  the  Father ;  so  that  when 
accused  by  our  conscience,  or  by  our  fierce  adversary, 
we  may  say,  '  Who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  it  is  Christ 
that  died.' " 

Very  earnest  and  believing  was  the  precious  prayer 
poured  out  on  that  hour  of  morning  devotion  by  the 
father  of  the  household,  and  very  sweet  and  tender  the 
deep  emotions  of  more  than  one  young  spirit  seeking  to 
clasp  its  tendrils  around  the  loving  Saviour. 

Living  epistles  of  Christ,  the  children  read  in  the  lives 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  93 

af  their  parents  the  blessedness  of  serving  the  Master  — 
attracted  by  the  picture,  and  not  repelled  by  the  cari- 
cature of  his  matchless  holiness  and  love. 

"  As  the  small  rain  upon  the  tender  herb,  and  as  the 
showers  upon  the  grass,"  so  gently  did  the  dews  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  fall  upon  these  tender  lambs  of  the  flock. 
Well  may  it  be  said  of  the  future  for  these  dwellers  at 
Westbrook  Parsonage,  that  "  they  that  sow  in  tears 
shall  reap  in  joy ;"  for  "  He  that  goeth  forth  and  weep- 
eth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall  doubtless  come  again 
frith  rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him." 


CHAPTER  VII 

x 

BETHANY. 

"  Now  Jesus  loved  Martha,  and  her  sister  and  Lazarus." 

T  ITTLE  RUGBY  stands  amid  the  shade  of  forest 
-•-^  trees,  for  Dr.  Arnold  has  been  careful  to  select  a 
spot  of  beauty,  where  there  is  at  least  a  miniature  aca- 
demic grove.  He  has  named  it  Little  Rugby,  not  from 
any  vain  comparison  between  himself  and  the  celebrated 
master  of  the  English  Rugby,  but  from  a  real  love  for 
that  model  teacher  whom  the  world  honors.  The  house 
is  a  stone  building,  with  several  porches,  each  shaded  by 
clustering  vines  of  fragrant  roses,  honeysuckle,  and  cle- 
matis ;  the  most  beautiful  flowers  covering  the  large 
bay  window  of  the  parlor,  opening  on  the  side  of  the 
garden. 

Father  Morgan  admires  and  loves  the  accomplished 
head  of  this  institution,  and  seldom  visits  the  parsonage 
without  dropping  in  at  Little  Rugby.  He  has  just  re- 
turned from  such  a  visit,  and,  according  to  his  custom, 
he  has  found  his  own  name  for  the  pleasant  home. 

"  I  have  just  come  from  Little  Rugby,  Edward,"  said 

the  good  man,  "  but  I  have  a  better  name  than  that ;  J 

94 


WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE.  95 

call  it  Bethany,  for  here  dwell  Lazarus,  and  the  sisters 
Mary  and  Martha ;  and  I  am  sure  that  it  is  a  household 
that  Jesus  loves." 

"  It  does  seem  appropriate,"  was  the  reply,  "  for  I  al- 
ways feel  the  sentiment  when  sitting  in  the  pleasant  par- 
lor." 

Richard  Arnold  was  a  man  of  thirty,  of  high  culture, 
deep  piety,  and  remarkable  wisdom  in  the  profession 
w  hich  he  had  chosen.  He  had  taken  orders  in  the  Epis- 
copal Church,  but  finding  that  his  voice  was  not  equal 
to  the  demands  made  upon  it  in  the  ministry,  and  being 
an  enthusiast  in  his  love  for  the  young,  he  has  wisely 
devoted  himself  to  the  business  of  education,  for  there  is 
no  more  useful  man  connected  with  St.  Barnabas'  than 
this  faithful  teacher  of  the  Youths'  Bible  Class.  He  is 
a  deep  student  of  the  Scriptures,  and  eminently  a  man 
of  prayer.  We  will  step  in  a  moment  into  his  class- 
room, on  Sunday  morning,  where  he  has  just  gathered 
as  many  as  the  room  will  hold.  He  has  singular  power 
in  fastening  the  attention  of  this  wayward,  excitable 
company  ;  for  there  is  that  in  the  full,  dark  eye,  in  the 
sweet,  loving  smile  around  the  firm  mouth,  and  in  the 
penetrating  tones  of  a  voice  mellowed  with  earnest  feel- 
ing, which  fascinates  and  controls  the  whole. 

Then  the  rich  treasures  of  learning  and  piety  ever  at 
his  command,  the  convincing  power  of  the  words  that 
come  from  a  heart  that  ha*,  experienced  their  precious- 
uess,  and  the  constant  presence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  so 


96  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

earnestly  invoked,  make  this  little  room  often  a  holj 
Bethel  to  the  members  privileged  to  meet  there. 

Not  only  does  this  spiritual  unction  rest  upon  the 
hearts  of  Christians  here,  but  even  the  most  worldly 
acknowledge  that  there  is  no  hour  of  instruction  through- 
out the  week  so  full  of  interest  as  this. 

From  this  band  —  generally  ranging  at  fifty,  some- 
times more — have  come  out  several  youthful  soldiers  of 
the  cross ;  and  the  most  useful  among  the  Sunday-school 
teachers  are  always  drawn  from  this  training-class. 

Richard  Arnold  is  the  friend  of  each ;  for  many  of 
them  are  members  also  of  Little  Rugby;  and  to  its 
master,  with  all  their  perplexities  and  mental  struggles, 
they  eagerly  come.  He  is  among  the  most  trusted  and 
valued  of  the  pastor's  friends,  is  one  of  the  leaders  in  the 
meetings  for  social  prayer,  an  influential  manager  of  the 
Missionary  Society,  a  member  of  the  vestry,  and  in  all 
things  a  warm  supporter  of  the  pastor  of  St.  Barnabas'. 

Martha  and  Mary  are  younger  sisters  ;  and,  singular 
enough,  their  names  correspond  to  the  Scriptural  de- 
scription of  the  sisters  of  Lazarus.  Early  made  orphans, 
their  affections  have  clung  around  their  brother,  and  it 
is  to  their  efficient  supervision  that  Little  Rugby  haa 
attained  its  popularity  in  its  domestic  department ;  for 
there  are  twelve  boys  beneath  its  roof,  and  members  of 
the  family.  Martha  is  the  active,  energetic  housekeeper, 
and  Mary,  living  so  near  the  Master,  delights  to  gather 
the  boys  around  his  dear  feet  by  her  gentle,  holy  influ- 


WEST  BROOK    PARSONAGE.  97 

ence.  They  are  very  fond  of  the  Hastings  children, 
who  are  ou  terms  of  private  intimacy  at  the  academy. 
Margaret  is  an  especial  favorite,  and  it  is  understood 
that  she  is  to-  graduate  at  Little  Rugby.  Richard  Ar- 
nold is  peculiarly  qualified  to  guide  the  young  girl  iu 
her  search  after  truth  upon  all  subjects. 

She  is  now  seventeen,  and  has  grown  up  to  be  a  fine, 
interesting  girl,  thoughtful  beyond  her  years,  and,  more- 
over, lovely  in  her  appearance,  wearing  in  her  face  that 
look  of  purity  which  so  distinguished  her  mother  in  her 
early  days.  Dr.  Arnold  is  often  found  fastening  upon 
the  young  girl  a  look  almost  of  mournful  interest;  and. 
one  evening,  addressing  his  sister,  he  said : 

"Martha,  is  there  any  one  that  Margaret  Hastings 
reminds  you  of  especially  ?  " 

"  Daily,  more  and  more  of  our  sainted  Laura.  Even 
the  tones  of  her  voice  thrill  me  sometimes." 

"  I  am  glad  that  you  see  the  likeness.  It  is  re- 
markable ! " 

"  There  are  the  same  lovely  traits,  too,  Richard ;  the 
same  conscientiousness  and  gentleness  and  truth.  No 
wonder  that  we  all  love  her." 

Warren,  too,  is  a  great  favorite.  Dr.  Arnold  under- 
stands the  boy's  character,  and  sympathizes  with  his 
mental  questions ;  for  he  remembers  having  passed 
through  just  such  a  season  in  his  early  youth.  He  ii 

not  met  with  harsh  rebuffs,  even  when  he  comes  with 
0  G 


98  WBSTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

the  carping  conceits  of  young  boyhood,  but  with  (he 
patience  of  Christian  rebuke. 

We  often  find  Warren  and  the  professor,  on  summer 
evenings,  with  arms  encircling  each  other's  waist,  walk- 
ing up  and  down  under  the  green  trees,  the  youth  pour- 
ing out  his  crude,  undigested  thoughts,  and  the  preceptor 
instructing,  guiding — often  removing  doubts  and  per- 
plexities from  the  young  and  ardent  mind.  Warren 
regards  Dr.  Arnold  with  perfect  confidence,  concealing 
nothing  of  his  mental  struggles,  not  afraid  of  uplifted 
eyes  of  holy  horror,  nor  of  the  word  "  infidel  "  from  his 
preceptor's  lips;  for  Richard  Arnold  loves  the  youth, 
seeing,  amid  all  that  is  almost  chaos  now,  as  regards  his 
religious  faith,  light  struggling  with  the  darkness  of  the 
natural  man,  his  doubts  not  so  much  in  the  head  as  in 
the  heart,  the  real  seat  of  carnal  enmity.  He  remembers 
that,  from  earliest  infancy,  he  has  been  under  the  teach- 
ing of  most  spiritual  and  holy  guides,  and  living  in  a» 
atmosphere  of  prayer. 

"Do  you  know,  Dr.  Arnold,  that  I  sometimes  get 
really  disgusted  with  long  faces  and  cant  phrases  of 
people  that  live  horrid  lives?  There  is  old  John 
Naseby.  You  would  suppose  that  there  never  was  such 
a  saint  born,  if  you  would  trust  his  sanctimonious  ways ; 
when  I  know  that  he  is  such  an  old  miser  that  he  hardly 
^ives  his  children  enough  to  eat.  I  often  share  my 
lunch  in  school  with  the  boys." 

"  Unfortunately,  there  are  such  specimens,  Warren ; 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  99 

but  the  very  fact  that  it  awakens  your  indignation 
shows  that  you  have  stored  away  s  jmewhere  in  your 
cranium  a  picture  cf  something  better  —  a  reality. 
Where  did  you  gel  it,  Warren,  if  not  from  the  Bible?" 

The  boy  did  not  reply ;  for  this  silenced  the  doubt 
that  was  almost  on  his  lips  as  to  the  power  of  Chris- 
tianity. 

"  One  word  let  me  add,  my  boy.  Give  up  the  study 
of  poor  frail  humanity,  and  turn  your  thoughts  to  the 
bright  example  left  by  our  Master.  Study  that,  War- 
ren, until  you  feel  your  soul  abased  by  its  conscious 
sinful  ness  and  weakness,  stretching  up  its  wings  to  reach 
after  that  matchless  holiness.  You  will  then  have 
neither  time  nor  inclination  to  come  down  from  such  a 
study  to  scrutinize  the  caricatures  that  are  seen  around 
us."  And  then,  as  though  soliloquizing,  he  con- 
tinued, "  When  will  Christiana  learn  to  say,  '  I  have  a 
great  work  to  do,  therefore  I  cannot  come  down  from 
the  holy  mount  to  quarrel  with  fellow-pilgrims '  ?  " 

There  were  three  boys  connected  with  the  family  at 
Rugby,  whom  we  must  notice  in  the  progress  of  our  story. 
Archie  Murray,  a  boy  of  fifteen,  the  son  of  a  departed 
sister  of  Dr.  Arnold,  somewhat  lame  from  a  hip  disease 
—  an  interesting,  a  promising  boy,  whose  great  desire 
seemed  to  be  to  fit  himself  as  soon  as  possible  to  sup- 
port his  darling  sister  Annie,  two  years  younger  than 
himself,  now  living  with  an  aunt,  not  very  happily, 
however.  Harry  and  George  Seymour,  two  of  the  chil- 


100  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Iren  of  wealth,  whose  parents  passed  the  summer  a; 
Westbrook,  their  winters  in  New  York,  devoted  wholly 
to  the  world,  and  having  placed  all  their  children  away 
at  school,  ha/I  abundant  money  and  leisure,  which  were 
engrossed  by  the  world  and  its  empty  vanities. 

It  is  drawing  very  near  a  summer  vacation  now,  and 
Dr.  Arnold  is  meditating  a  pedestrian  tour  in  company 
with  several  of  his  pupils,  having  selected  the  Hastings 
boys  first. 

It  is  the  favored  hour  of  morning  prayer  at  the  par- 
sonage. The  precious  Bible  is  on  the  stand,  and  the 
father's  eye  glances  around  for  the  daily  texts. 

"  Who  is  ready  ?  "  asked  the  kind  voice. 

"  I,  papa,"  was  Margaret's  reply.  "  The  subject  is  the 
law  of  God  —  and  mine  is,  'The  law  was  given  by 
Moses,  but  grace  and  truth  came  by  Jesus  Christ.'  " 

"  There  was  law  before  that,  Margaret :  can  you  tell  me 
when?" 

"  The  law  in  Eden,  papa,  was  it  not  so  ?  " 

"That  is  correct;  there  was  the  first  expression  of  the 
law  of  God.  Is  there  any  one  who  can  tell  me  anything 
about  its  nature  ?  " 

"  I,  papa,"  replied  Allan  :  "'The  law  is  holy,  and  just, 
and  good ; '  and  '  By  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin.' " 

"  Very  good,  my  son.     Now  something  of  its  use." 

"  I  have  a  strange  text,"  replied  Warren :  " '  Therefore 
by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there  shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in 
his  sight.'  If  that  is  true,  of  what  use  then  is  the  law  ?  * 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  101 

"I  can  tell,"  replied  Alice:  "'The  law  is  a  school- 
master to  bring  us  to  Christ.'  " 

"That  is  an  excellent  choice,  my  daughter.  What 
has  Edward  to  say  ?  " 

"  Margaret  selected  mine,  papa:  '  Cursed  is  every  one 
that  continueth  not  in  all  things  written  in  the  book  of 
the  law  to  do  them.'  That  seems  a  very  hard  text" 

"  And  Sunbeam's  ?  " 

"  Allan  searched  for  mine.  He  said  that  was  the  way 
Paul  felt  after  he  became  a  Christian :  '  For  I  delight 
in  the  law  of  God  after  the  inward  man.' " 

"  Very  good,  my  children.  Thus  you  see  that  the  law 
of  God  is  a  picture  of  his  holiness,  for  '  it  is  holy,  just, 
and  good '  —  but  since  the  fall,  not  one  has,  or  ever  can 
keep  the  law  in  its  strictness." 

"If  so,  papa,  how  can  we  be  justified?"  asked 
Margaret. 

"  By  a  new  and  living  way,  my  dear :  as  there  can  be 
no  perfect  human  obedience  now,  our  God  has  mercifully 
made  another  way  to  heaven,  whereby  we  can  be  justified 
freely  by  His  grace,  bestowed  upon  all  who  exercise  a 
true  and  living  faith  in  Jesus  as  our  substitute.  Now  we 
will  sing  our  morning  hymn"  —  and  the  sweet  voices 
sang  intelligently  — 

"Ah,  how  shall  fallen  man 
Be  just  before  his  God! 
If  he  contend  in  righteousness 
We  sink  beneath  his  rod. 


102  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  Ah,  how  shall  guilty  man 

Contend  with  such  a  God? 
None,  none  can  meet  Him,  and   escape, 
But  through  the  Saviour's  blood." 

Then,  bowed  in  prayer,  the  father  brought  his  beloved 
ones  to  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  prayed  that,  "justified 
freely  by  his  grace,"  they  all  might  have  peace  with 
God  on  earth,  and  blessedness  in  heaven. 

Allan  and  Alice  were  walking  out  on  the  piazza  in 
the  pleasant  hour  after  evening  worship,  when  they 
heard  the  front  gate  open,  and  saw  the  face  of  a  welcome 
friend. 

"  Here  is  Dr.  Arnold,  papa,"  said  Alice,  running  out 
to  meet  the  preceptor,  and  taking  his  hand,  led  him  into 
the  parlor. 

Always  welcome  at  the  parsonage,  the  family  gathered 
around  him,  all  having  some  pleasant  words  to  say. 

"  Vacation  is  drawing  nigh,  Mr.  Hastings,"  said  the 
visitor,  "  and  I  have  come  with  a  novel  request,  which  I 
hope  that  you  will  grant.  It  has  been  a  year  of  intense 
mental  application,  and  I  feel  the  need  of  an  unbent 
bow.  I  propose  a  pedestrian  tour  to  the  Adirondacks, 
and  if  it  meets  your  approbation,  would  like  tc  have 
Warren  and  Allan  for  companions.  Archie  Murray  is 
going,  and  Mr.  Seymour  has  requested  me  to  take  the 
boys,  for  they  are  off  on  a  pleasure  tour,  and  desire 
entire  freedom  from  care." 

Mr.  Hastings  looked  at  the  boys.    Warren's  dark  eyes 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  103 

and  Allan's  blue  were  dancing  with  delight;  and  the 
impatient  tapping  of  young  feet  upon  the  carpet  betrayed 
the  eagerness  with  which  they  listened  for  an  answer. 

"  Dear  papa,"  said  Allan,  leaning  upon  the  back  of 
his  father's  chair,  "  please  say,  Yea." 

"  I  see  no  objection,  boy,  with  Dr.  Arnold  for  a  guide ; 
but  what  says  mamma  ?  " 

"  Yes,  by  all  means.  I  think  it  would  be  a  great 
benefit  to  the  boys  in  every  way." 

Father  Morgan  was  on  a  visit  to  the  parsonage,  and 
gave  his  voice  for  the  projected  trip. 

"  I  wish  I  were  a  boy  again,  Dr.  Arnold,  or  even  a 
little  younger.  Nothing  could  afford  me  more  pleasure." 

"  Can't  you  go,  Father  Morgan?"  said  Warren.  "We 
should  be  so  very  glad ! " 

"  To  walk  among  the  Adirondacks,  boy !  Too  old  for 
that,  my  son ;  but  I  shall  be  glad  to  see  you  start  on 
such  a  tour.  But  what  can  be  done  with  Archie?  " 

"  We  must  take  a  mule  for  our  tents  and  baggage ; 
and  Archie  can  ride  Dick  over  the  rough  places." 

Nothing  else  was  talked  of  now  but  the  summer  tour; 
and  mamma  was  busily  employed  in  brushing  up  some 
of  the  old  winter  suits  for  the  cold  nights  in  the  moun- 
tains. Ere  Dr.  Arnold  took  leave  of  the  party,  Father 
Morgan  sought  an  opportunity  to  place  a  pocket-book  in 
his  hand,  with  the  whispered  words  : 

"  You  may  want  something  additional  for  contingen- 
cies. Use  it  freely ;  for  these  are  my  boys." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

THE  ADIRONDACKS. 

*  0  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works  !  in  wisdom  hast  thon  madt 
them  all :  the  earth  is  fall  of  thy  riches." 

1~T  is  a  warm  summer  day,  early  in  July,  the  day  for 

•*•  starting  on  the  projected  tour.  The  boys  are  full  of 
their  journey,  and  the  subject  of  the  daily  text  seems 
ID  make  but  little  impression  on  the  giddy  young 
travellers.  They  are  assembled,  as  usual,  at  morning 
prayer,  and  Margaret  mentions  the  subject  of  original 
Bin. 

"  I  have  several,  papa,"  said  the  young  lady.  " '  They 
go  astray  as  soon  as  they  are  born,  speaking  lies ; '  and 
'  There  is  none  that  doeth  good ;  no,  not  one.' " 

"  Have  you  a  passage,  Allan  ?"  inquired  the  father. 
The  boy  blushed,  and  hung  his  head ;  for  it  was  the 
first  time  that  he  had  been  negligent. 

"  I  forgot  all  about  it,  papa.     Pray,  excuse  me." 
"  I  am  sorry,  my  son.     And  Warren,  too  ?" 
"  I  suppose  that  we  must  all  be  pretty  bad  ;  for  thus 
saith  the  Apostle  Paul,  '  We  are  a  set  of  good-for-nothing 

fellows,  and  there  is  no  health  in  us.' " 

104 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  105 

The  father  looked  grieved  and  very  sternly  upon 
Warren,  as  he  said  : 

"Jokes  are  unbecoming  here,  my  son.  If  you  too 
have  forgotten  the  subject,  at  least  be  silent." 

Then  Alice  repeated,  reverently :  " '  All  we,  like  sheep, 
have  gone  astray  :  we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own 
way.'" 

"  This  is  a  most  important  and  solemn  subject,  my 
children  ;  for  upon  right  teaching  here  depends  all  our 
views  of  the  great  salvation.  When  we  are  conscious 
that  we  are  sin-sick,  we  shall  welcome  the  Great  Phy- 
sician, and  not  before ;  but  my  words  to-day  must  be 
few,  for  I  fear  that  preoccupied  hearts  leave  but  little 
room  for  serious  thoughts." 

The  morning  hymn  was  sweet  and  solemn,  and  the 
^rayer  full  of  a  father's  longings  for  the  spiritual  good 
)f  his  offspring,  closing  with  a  blessing  on  the  dear 
boys  about  to  leave  the  parental  roof  for  a  few  weeks. 
On  rising  from  their  knees,  Warren  instantly  advanced 
to  his  father,  with  an  ingenuous  blush  upon  his  bright, 
young  face : 

"  Excuse  me,  dear  papa.  I  did  not  mean  one  word  of 
disrespect;  but  I  am  intoxicated  with  delight  to-day. 
My  feet  are  full  of  dancing  steps,  and  my  head  brimful 
of  nonsense." 

"  Try  to  put  some  restraint  upon  yourself,  my  son ;  for 
reverence  should  always  mark  our  approaches  to  Deity." 

But  Dr.  Arnold,  with  the  three  boys,  are  at  the  par* 


106  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

sonage  gate  now,  accompanied  bj  Hector,  a  favoritt, 
dog,  and  Dickey,  the  mule  —  both  panniers  heavily 
laden.  The  boys  were  all  in  high  glee ;  but  the  oldest 
and  most  merry  was  Dr.  Arnold  himself. 

"  How  long  will  you  be  absent  ? "  inquired  the  lather. 

"  Not  less  than  a  month ;  perhaps  more,"  was  the 
reply. 

"  Can  we  hear  from  you  ?" 

"  Yes ;  there  is  a  post  near  the  Adirondack  Iron 
Works,  and  here  is  the  address." 

Attired  in  loose  blouses,  with  broad-brimmed  straw 
hats,  and  carpet-bags  on  each  of  the  traveller's  arms, 
they  took  leave  of  the  party  at  the  parsonage. 

"  Be  careful  of  them,  Dr.  Arnold,"  said  the  mother  ; 
"  they  have  never  been  away  before." 

They  had  all  exchanged  the  parting  kiss,  when  War- 
ren ran  back  to  fold  Alice,  his  darling  pet,  once  more  in 
his  arms. 

"Write,  dear  little  sis!"  said  the  boy.  "I  don't 
know  how  I  am  to  do  without  you  so  long." 

At  the  same  time,  Dr.  Arnold  was  taking  a  more 
tender  leave  than  usual  of  Margaret  Hastings,  whisper- 
ing a  word  that  left  a  blush  on  her  sweet  face.  In  an- 
other minute,  they  were  speeding  along  the  street,  with 
flying  steps,  to  the  cars. 

So  wholly  preoccupied  were  the  boys  with  theii 
anticipated  pleasure  that,  if  it  had  not  been  for  Dr. 
Arnold's  watchfulness,  they  might  even  have  forgotten 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  107 

ihe  laws  of  courtesy  which  their  preceptor  was  so  careful 
to  inculcate. 

"  Don't  you  see  the  woman  with  her  baby,  Warren  ? 
1  think  that  you  had  better  give  up  your  seat  to  her, 
and  come  join  Archie." 

"  Certainly,  dear  sir ;  I  did  not  see  her ; "  and  rising 
immediately,  he  placed  her  comfortably,  where  she  could 
be  near  a  window,  and  took  a  seat  himself  inside,  by 
Archie  Murray. 

"  You  are  very  good,"  said  the  woman,  "  for  my  little 
boy  has  been  sick,  and  I  am  anxious  to  give  him  all  the 
fresh  air  that  I  can." 

"  You  are  quite  welcome,"  was  the  quick  reply,  for  in 
Warren's  sunny  frame  of  mind,  it  really  gave  him  pleas- 
ure to  confer  a  favor. 

Staying  but  a  short  time  in  New  York,  the  party  were 
soon  sailing  up  the  North  River,  never  tired  of  admiring 
the  charming  scenery  as  they  passed  along,  for  this  was 
their  first  peep  at  the  lovely  river.  At  a  place  appointed, 
they  took  passage  in  a  rough  wagon  across  the  country 
leading  to  the  mountains,  hitching  Dickey  on  behind, 
and  taking  Hector  in  when  he  seemed  tired. 

"  We  shall  soon  meet  our  guide,"  said  Dr.  Arnold,  for 
the  peaks  of  the  Adirondacks  were  now  in  sight 

"  Who  is  your  guide  ?  "  inquired  the  driver. 

"  His  name  is  Nichol  Lescure,  a  Canadian  .mnter." 

"  I  know  him/'  was  the  reply,  "  and  a  clever  fellow  r 


108  WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE. 

is — one  of  the  best  guides  found  in  this  neighborhood. 
Where  are  you  to  meet  him  ?  " 

"At  a  little  hut,  near  the  first  glimpse  of  Mount 
Marcy." 

"We  are  there,"  was  the  reply,  as,  suddenly  turning  a 
corner,  the  rude  dwelling  was  in  sight,  and,  standing  at 
the  door,  was  a  man  clad  in  skins,  leaning  upon  a  gun. 

"  Is  this  Dr.  Arnold  ? "  inquired  the  guide. 

"  It  is  —  and  this  is  Nichol  Lescure  ?  " 

"  That  is  my  name.  You  have  chosen  a  fine  season 
for  your  journey,  sir ;  but  these  young  chaps  will  find  it 
hard  work  to  scramble  up  these  mountain  heights,  where 
one  can  sometimes  wash  his  hands  in  the  clouds." 

Nichol  was  accompanied  by  a  large  dog,  who  did  not 
appear  to  be  very  friendly  toward  the  newcomer. 

"  What  is  your  dog's  name,  sir  ?  "  inquired  the  hunter. 

"  Hector  —  and  a  fine,  intelligent  fellow  he  is.  How 
shall  we  make  them  friends  ?  " 

"  You  '11  see.    Come  here,  Leo." 

The  large  animal  came  bounding  to  his  master's  side. 

"Do  you  see  that  dog,  sir?"  —  and  taking  him  by  the 
ear,  not  roughly,  he  led  him  close  to  the  stranger,  both 
growling  and  showing  their  glittering  white  teeth. 
"  Come  closer,  sir  —  this  is  a  stranger,  Hector,  and  you 
must  treat  him  well  —  mind  what  I  say." 

But  Leo  still  continued  growling,  although  lying  down 
close  to  the  ground. 

Taking  a  piece  of  meal  out  of  his  hunting-bag,  Nichol 


WESTBROOK     PABSONAGE.  109 

threw  it  to  Leo.  "  Hand  that  to  Hector  —  don't  eat  it, 
sir." 

The  dog  crouched  closer  and  closer  to  the  ground,  and 
then  commenced  crawling  toward  the  stranger,  holding 
the  meat  in  his  mouth.  When  close  to  Hector,  he 
pushed  it  toward  him,  and  Nichol  threw  another  piece, 
which  Leo  began  to  eat,  and  Hector  did  the  same. 

"  Let  the  dumb  beasts  only  eat  together,  peaceably, 
and  they  '11  be  friends :  I  always  find  that  out." 

To  Dr.  Arnold's  surprise,  after  Leo  had  finished  hia 
meal,  he  walked  quietly  around  Hector :  they  then  ex- 
amined each  other  for  a  minute  or  two,  took  anothei 
piece  of  meat  in  company,  and  the  quarrel  seemed  at  an 
end. 

Taking  leave  of  their  driver,  they  made  preparations 
for  their  long  walk.  Mounting  Archie  on  the  mule, 
with  carpet-bag  and  long  pole  in  each  hand,  they  com- 
menced their  toilsome  march.  Soon  they  were  ascending 
heights  which  to  their  inexperience  seemed  almost  in- 
surmountable. Nichol  smiled  at  their  exclamations. 
"This  is  nothing,  boys;  wait  until  you  try  Mount 
Towanus :  you  '11  have  something  to  say  then."  Very 
soon  they  were  in  the  deep,  solemn  woods,  far,  far  away 
from  human  habitations.  Even  their  young  spirits  were 
subdued  by  the  perfect  solitude  of  this  mountain  forest. 
The  mournful  music  of  the  woods  gradually  silenced  the 
youthful  party.  The  rustling  of  the  leaves,  the  soft 

sighing  of  the  summer  winds  among  the  trees,  now  ami 
10 


110  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

then  the  whistle  of  a  wild  bird  among  the  high 
branches,  or  the  swift  passage  of  a  deer  in  the  distance, 
all  lent  new  charms  to  this  forest  tramp.  Nichol  was 
highly  amused  at  the  silent  rapture  of  the  boys,  as  step 
by  step  they  advanced  into  the  deep  shadows,  to  them 
so  full  of  unuttered  mysteries.  All  day  they  travelled 
thus,  stopping  at  noon  to  regale  themselves  from  the 
contents  of  the  panniers.  Cold  chicken,  ham  and  bis- 
cuit, fruit  and  domestic  summer  beverage,  proved  a  de- 
licious meal,  up  in  these  mountain  solitudes.  Nichol 
looked  on  surprised,  as  Dr.  Arnold  reverently  asked  a. 
blessing  before  partaking  of  their  lunch.  After  rest'ng 
about  an  hour,  they  again  took  up  their  line  of  march, 
and  late  in  the  afternoon  came  to  an  opening,  where  the 
curling  of  smoke  into  the  clouds  indicated  a  human  hab- 
itation. 

"  This  is  our  stopping-place,"  said  Nichol,  "  and  that 
is  my  cabin."  Just  then  they  came  in  sight  of  the 
low  dwelling,  and  in  the  next  minute,  a  girl  of  fourteen 
came  running  out  of  the  hut. 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  you,  father ;  for  I  was  very  lone- 
some last  night.  I  heard  the  wolves  howling  not  far 
off;  and  all  night  I  had  to  keep  the  fires  burning." 

"  This  is  my  daughter  Nan,"  said  the  hunter.  "  Hurry 
up,  my  girl,  and  get  us  a  good  supper,  for  we  are  all 
hungry." 

Away  she  ran,  and  the  sound  of  the  axe  called  the 
boys  to  her  help. 


WESTBEOOK     PARSONAGE.  Ill 

"  Here,  Nan,  let  me  have  that  axe,"  said  Warren. 
'  It 's  a  shame  that  a  girl  should  do  such  work  as  that." 

She  smiled  as  she  replied:  "It's  nothing;  I'm  used 
to  it,  and  I  guess  I  can  hit  a  better  stroke  than  you  any 
day." 

Nan  smiled  at  Warren's  efforts,  who  belabored  the 
log  without  producing  any  impression. 

"  Here !  see  what  I  can  do,"  said  the  girl ;  and  seizing 
the  axe,  she  raised  it  far  above  her  head,  planted  her 
foot  firmly  on  the  log,  fixed  her  eye  intently  for  one 
moment,  and  at  one  sharp  stroke  clove  the  log. 

Warren  seized  the  axe  again,  and  now  that  there  was 
a  cleft  in  the  wood,  made  some  headway  ;  Nan  sitting  by 
on  another  log,  laughing  at  his  efforts.  All  the  boys 
went  to  work  with  a  good  will  in  carrying  in  a  heavy 
load  of  fire-wood,  and  Nan  thanked  them  in  her  rough 
way,  adding,  "  You  shall  have  a  good  supper  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye  for  that,  boys." 

Pretty  thoroughly  tired,  and  lounging  upon  the  green- 
sward around  the  cabin,  with  carpet-bags  for  pillows, 
they  awaited  the  summons  to  supper.  The  sound  of  the 
grinding  of  a  coffee-mill  was  comforting  music  to  the 
travellers;  and  the  savory  smell  of  cooking  meat  the 
sweetest  of  all  perfumes  just  now  to  the  sharpened 
appetite. 

Leo  and  Hector  were  good  friends  now,  for  a  march 
through  the  woods  together  had  entirely  banished  tlr 
last  vestige  of  canine  enmity. 


112  WESTBKOOK    PARSONAGE. 

"Supper  is  ready,  boys,  come  in,"  said  the  hunter, 
leading  the  way  into  the  cabin. 

It  was  a  one-story  building,  with  three  large  rooms; 
the  floors  laid  with  rough  planks,  and  the  walls  com- 
posed of  rougher  logs.  A  large  fireplace  stood  in  the 
family  room,  the  smoke  finding  its  way  out  through  a 
chimney  made  of  stones  and  mortar.  In  the  centre 
stood  a  wooden  table,  on  which  was  spread  a  most  invit- 
ing meal.  Around  the  room  were  rude  benches ;  one 
arm-chair  alone  gave  any  promise  of  comfort  for  a 
weary  back.  The  entrance  was  crossed  by  two  sets  of 
fine  antlers,  and  around  the  room  hung  the  skins  of 
animals,  powder-flasks,  hunting-bags,  guns,  spears,  and 
every  variety  of  hunting  implements.  From  the  rafters 
were  suspended  venison,  hams,  and  dried  meats,  in  great 
abundance. 

The  boys  were  all  surprised  to  see  what  an  excellent 
meal  had  been  prepared  by  Nan  Lescure  in  these  moun- 
tain solitudes.  There  were  rich  coffee  and  cream,  broiled 
venison  steak,  mashed  potatoes,  a  dish  of  birds,  and  the 
very  nicest  bread  and  butter. 

Nichol  made  good  provision  for  his  family,  for  twice 
a  year  he  went  down  to  the  nearest  town  and  laid  in 
his  stores,  leaving  Nan  at  Farmer  Hughes's,  on  the  lake. 
Added  to  this,  he  kept  a  cow,  and  Nan  had  learned  to 
make  good  bread  and  butter. 

Dr.  Arnold  reverently  asked  a  blessing  on  the  meal 
ore  they  partook  of  it,  and  Nichol  remarked,  "We 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  113 

have  nothing  of  that  up  here  in  these  mountain  parts, 
sir." 

"God  is  here,  Nichol,  in  all  the  majesty  of  his  works: 
one  would  think  that  the  full  heart  ought  to  worship 
Him  in  such  a  grand  chapel  as  these'wooded  cloisters." 

"  Somehow  we  forget  Him,  sir." 

The  listener  thought  how  much  of  just  such  forgetful- 
ness  prevailed  among  humanity,  surrounded  by  Christian 
churches,  amid  the  blaze  of  the  Gospel.  Truly,  the  soul 
unrenewcd  is  everywhere  alike — dead  to  God  —  dead  as 
regards  spiritual  life. 

"You  had  better  not  camp  out  to-night,"  said  the 
hunter.  "  With  your  blankets  and  our  skins  we  can  spread 
up  sleeping  room  for  all  the  party :  it 's  too  cold  on 
the  mountain  at  uight.  I  suppose  that  you  must  be 
very  tired,  and  would  like  to  go  to  rest  early." 

"  First,  with  your  permission,  we  will  have  evening 
prayer.  Our  boys  have  fine  voices:  I  think  that  you 
would  like  their  music." 

"  Do  just  as  you  please,  sir  ;  my  little  cabin  is  yours 
while  you  are  with  us." 

Nichol  and  Nan  sat  on  a  bench  near  the  door,  listen- 
ing to  the  delightful  music  as  it  filled  the  cabin  on  this 
summer  evening,  the  first  time  that  the  worship  of  Al- 
mighty God  had  ever  been  observed  beneath  that  roof. 
Dr.  Arnold  selected  a  portion  of  the  Sermon  on  the 
Mount,  read  it  in  an  impressive  manner,  and  then  engaged 
in  solemn,  fervert  prayer — remembering  the  dwellers  at 
10*  H 


114  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

the  cabin,  the  two  sitting  reverently  with  their  face* 
bowed  upon  their  hands,  while  the  rest  knelt  around  the 
mercy-seat.  Had  an  angel  stopped  at  Nichol  Lescure's 
humble  cabin  on  that  summer  night?  for  so  wondered  the 
rude  hunter  as  he  silently  wiped  the  moisture  from  his 
eyes. 

"  That  was  a  grand  sermon  that  you  read,  sir,"  said 
the  man  ;  "  who  preached  such  good  words  as  that? " 

"  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Nichol,  when  he  wad  on 
earth,  more  than  eighteen  hundred  years  ago." 

"  P  remember,  when  I  was  a  little  chap,  my  mother 
used  to  take  me  to  a  church  in  Canada,  and  there  I  used 
to  say  my  prayers  before  a  crucifix,  and  heard  now  and 
then  about  Jesus,  but  more  about  the  Virgin  ;  but  it  has 
been  so  long,  and  I  have  lived  such  a  wandering  life 
here  in  the  wilderness,  that  I  have  forgotten  both." 

"  He  will  not  forget  you,  Nichol,  for  He  is  coming 
again  to  judge  the  world,  and  if  you  have  not  made  Him 
your  Saviour  here,  He  cannot  be  your  friend  then." 

The  hunter  listened  attentively,  and  then  replied  :  "  I 
have  been  very  careful  to  lead  a  pure  and  honest  life  in 
all  my  dealings,  sir ;  and  would  n't  do  what  some  of  the 
Christians  down  below  are  not  ashamed  to  do." 

"  That  will  not  do  for  a  plea  there,  Nichol ;  for,  '  Ex- 
cept a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of 
God.'" 

Stretched  out  upon  the  cabin-floor,  the  weary  travel- 
lers slept  more  delightfully  than  they  could  hare  con- 


WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE.  115 

ceived  of,  apart  from  the  comforts  of  civilized  life,  and 
by  the  peep  of  day  were  up  again;  and,  after  a  hearty 
breakfast,  following  their  guide,  were  off  on  their  march, 
singing,  at  the  top  of  their  young  voices,  "A life  in  the 
woods  for  me  ! " 

A  half-day's  journey  through  the  woods  brought  them 
to  the  clearing  of  the  Newcombe  Farm,  commanding  a 
magnificent  view  of  the  chief  mountain  summits  of  the 
Adirondacks,  looming  up  to  heaven  in  all  their  melan- 
choly grandeur. 

Travelling  on  still,  they  reached  the  shores  of  Lake 
Henderson  ;  and  the  boys  were  greatly  excited  by  the 
appearance  of  a  young  fawn,  startled  by  the  appearance 
of  human  beings.  True  to  a  hunter's  instinct,  Nichol 
took  aim  at  the  innocent  creature  before  one  word  could 
be  said,  and,  wounding  the  leg,  disabled  the  poor  thing 
from  walking.  The  party  were  hungry,  and  therefore 
the  advent  of  the  fawn  was  welcome  as  Friday  to  Robin- 
son Crusoe.  When  poor  Fan  crept  to  Nichol,  lying  down 
at  his  feet,  and  looking  up  timidly  into  his  face  with  her 
full  daik  eyes,  the  hunter  patted  the  pretty  creature's 
head ;  Dr.  Arnold  turned  an  inquiring  look  at  each  of 
the  boys,  who  shook  their  heads  at  an  unspoken  thought. 

"  Not  to-night,  nor  to-morrow,  nor  next  day,  poor  Fan : 
we  would  rather  all  be  hungry,"  said  Dr.  Arnold. 

"  There  are  fine  trout  in  the  lake,"  said  Nichol ;  "  let 
us  try  our  luck  .  I  could  n't  see  that  poor  thing  killed." 

It  was  a  successful  effort,  and  a  good  supper  of  trout 


116  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

rewarded  the  humanity  of  the  travellers,  which  Nichol 
speedily  prepared. 

Taking  a  boat  after  supper,  they  had  a  charming  view 
of  the  Indian  Pass,  an  opening  between  two  of  the 
loftiest  mountains  of  the  group,  Echo  Mountain  and 
Mount  Towanus,  both  in  full  view.  Just  before  them,  on 
the  shore  of  the  glassy  lake,  stood  three  splendid  deer ; 
their  branching  antlers,  towering  above  their  graceful 
heads,  elevated  as  though  listening  for  enemies :  one 
sight  of  the  travellers  was  enough  ;  for  dashing  into  the 
lake,  they  were  speedily  out  of  sight. 

"  I  wish  that  we  could  see  a  hunt,"  said  Warren. 

"It  isn't  unlikely,"  said  Nichol,  "for  a  party  of 
hunters  is  out  now." 

Suddenly,  the  cries  of  the  hounds  came  across  the 
lake. 

"  There  they  are,"  said  the  guide. 

Soon  after,  a  gallant  buck,  with  antlered  head  erect, 
was  seen  standing  upon  the  cliff  opposite,  and  in  the  next 
minute,  the  panting  creature  was  battling  with  the 
waters,  the  hunters  all  in  hot  pursuit. 

Nichol  is  watching  too,  with  lifted  rifle — fires — wounds, 
but  does  not  kill  his  game  at  the  first  fire :  another  shot 
is  more  successful.  Bringing  the  boat  near,  the  poor 
thing  was  taken  on  board,  and  carried  to  a  thicket  near. 
It  was  time  to  think  of  arrangements  for  the  night. 
With  the  help  of  the  boys,  the  stakes  were  driven  into 
the  ground,  the  canvas  tightened  as  a  covering,  thi 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  117 

gum-elastic  spread  upon  the  ground,  and  pillows  of  the 
same  material  for  the  head  ;  and  then  the  boys  thought 
that  it  would  be  grand  to  sleep  thus  in  the  wild  solitudes 
of  the  Adirondacks. 

It  was  a  moonlight  night,  and  the  party  stood  in 
solemn  silence  viewing  the  grandeur  of  the  scenery  — 
the  moou  sailing  in  her  majesty  over  the  transparent 
lake,  whose  clear  waters  reflected  its  silver  rays  upon  its 
quiet  bosom. 

Dr.  Arnold  uncovered  his  head  as  he  repeated  : 

"  The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God;  and  the  fir- 
mament showeth  His  handy-work. 

"  He  telleth  the  number  of  the  stars :  He  calleth  them 
all  by  their  names. 

"  Praise  ye  Him  sun  and  moon :  praise  Him  all  ye 
stars  of  light : 

"Mountains  and  all  hills,  fruitful  trees  and  all 
cedars, 

"  Praise  ye  the  Lord." 

The  first  night's  rest  beneath  the  glittering  firmament 
was  a  new  feature  in  the  pilgrimage.  Comfortably  dis- 
posed of,  they  slept  soundly,  and  by  early  dawn  were 
astir  again,  for  they  actually  contemplated  the  ascent  of 
Mount  Towanus,  the  Indian  name  meaning  "  the  sky- 
piercing." 

Nichol  gave  dismal  accounts  of  the  undertaking,  but 
young  spirits  were  not  to  be  deterred.  While  they  were 
discussing  the  propriety  of  the  movement,  several 


118  WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE. 

hunters  joined  their  party ;  each  having  some  terribls 
account  to  give  of  dangers  to  those  attempting  the 
ascent.  One  told  of  a  fearful  snow-storm  that  had  over- 
taken him  at  this  very  spot  and  season.  Another  had 
been  overtaken,  the  year  before,  by  a  mountain  flood, 
which  so  filled  the  brooks  with  rushing  waters,  that  he 
found  it  impossible  to  descend ;  and  seeking  another  route, 
was  lost  in  the  wilderness  so  long  that  even  the  dogs  did 
not  know  him  when  found.  A  third,  on  waking  from 
sleep,  had  found  himself  surrounded  by  rattlesnakes ; 
and  another  had  made  a  narrow  escape  from  a  bloody 
panther. 

The  boys  heard  it  all ;  but,  listening  to  the  songs  of 
birds  in  the  tree-tops,  looking  down  upon  the  gentle 
moss  and  tangled  flowers,  out  upon  the  vistas  of  valley 
and  hill,  and  upward  to  the  soft  sunny  skies  above  them, 
they  laughed  with  provoking  incredulity,  and  waving 
their  banners,  said,  "  Let  us  try :  others  have  succeeded ; 
why  not  we  ?  " 

The  trouble  was  about  poor  Fan,  for,  unable  to  walk 
yet,  they  were  obliged  to  carry  her  wherever  they  went. 

"  We  cannot  leave  her :  she  is  a  light  little  thing," 
said  Warren  ;  "  I  guess  we  can  manage  among  us." 

Full  of  spirits,  they  started,  expecting  to  be  gone  two 
days,  with  one  night  in  the  woods,  on  the  way.  It  was 
an  interesting  study  to  Dr.  Arnold,  to  watch  the  different 
characters  of  the  boys  in  their  efforts  to  overcome  obsta- 
cles. Warren,  with  his  strong,  indomitable  will ;  Allan, 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  119 

Kith  his  quiet,. determined  perseverance;  Anhie  had  but 
little  effort  to  make,  for  Dickey  did  the  work  for  hiiu  , 
Harry  Seymour,  with  his  weak,  irresolute,  fitfV  ptfcrts ; 
and  George,  with  his  constant  calls  upon  his  cv/.r/anions 
for  help. 

Over  many  immeasurable  miles,  over  rude  rocks  and 
treacherous  bridges  of  the  mountain  torrents,  up  and 
down,  around  and  among  the  chasms  of  the  pathless 
forest,  onward  the  party  tramped. 

At  the  close  of  the  first  day,  Harry  and  George 
begged  to  be  left  behind. 

"  What  would  become  of  you,  boys,  all  alone  in  these 
dark  forests  ? "  said  Dr.  Arnold.  "  That  can  never  be :  you 
must  exert  yourselves  a  little  more.  What  say  you  to 
going  back,  Warren  ?  " 

"  Going  back,  Dr.  Arnold,  after  having  reached  such 
a  height !  My  motto  is,  Excelsior !  " 

"And  mine,  too,"  said  Allan,  " though  I  am  very 
tired." 

"  We  must  kindle  fires  to-night,"  said  Nichol,  "  for 
these  mountains  are  infested  by  wolves  and  panthers  at 
all  times." 

"  Suppose  the  fires  go  out,  Nichol,"  said  Warren. 

"  That  must  not  be :  I  will  keep  watch." 

They  had  not  been  long  in  their  tent  ere  a  singular 
noise,  like  the  crying  of  an  infant,  was  distinctly  heard. 

"What  is  that,  Nichol?"  said  Warren,  putting  his 
head  out  of  the  tent. 


120  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  That 's  one  of  the  varmints,  boy,  a  genuine  panther ; 
but  I  '11  keep  him  off:  he  '11  not  come  anear  a  fire,  not  he." 

"  Are  you  sure,  Nichol  ?  "  said  Harry  Seymour,  his 
teeth  chattering  with  terror. 

"  Purty  sartin  of  that,  boy  ;  they  don't  like  fire.  Go 
to  sleep,  boys  :  I  '11  take  kere  of  the  tent." 

Early  in  the  morning,  off  again,  the  difficulties  in- 
creasing as  the  top  was  nearing.  Many  a  time  in  the 
course  of  the  day  did  the  boys  have  to  stop,  panting  and 
breathless,  to  wipe  the  sweat  from  their  brows. 

"  It  will  take  another  day,  sir,"  said  Nichol :  "  the  boys 
can't  stand  it  —  and  must  stop  two  hours'  in  the  middle 
of  the  day." 

His  prophecy  was  correct,  for  it  was  not  until  the  mid- 
dle of  the  third  day  that  the  guide  pointed  out  the  height. 

Seizing  his  banner,  Warren  planted  himself  firmly  by 
the  side  of  his  guide,  and  was  the  first  to  reach  the  sum- 
mit ;  where,  with  glowing  countenance  and  exulting  voice, 
he  placed  his  flag  upon  the  top  of  Mount  Towanus,  call- 
ing out,  "  Hurrah  !  hurrah !  we  're  here  at  last  I " 

And  there,  from  that  mountain  height,  they  surveyed 
the  glorious  landscape.  After  resting  several  hours, 
they  commenced  the  descent ;  and  after  a  day's  repose, 
visited  the  Indian  Pass  —  a  wild  gorge  precipitously 
walled  in  at  one  point  by  the  colossal  cliffs  which  impart 
such  features  of  grandeur  to  the  landscape.  And  now 
they  were  ready  for  a  return  to  the  hunter's  cabin. 

Strange  what  effects  contrasts  have    upon  passing 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  121 

objects!  When  first  our  travellers  came  in  sight  of 
Nichol's  cabin,  it  had  seemed  to  them  like  a  wild  wilder- 
ness, indeed :  now  they  hailed  its  curling  smoke  as  an 
indication  of  returning  civilization,  compared  with  the 
wild  and  awful  solitudes  which  they  had  left.  They 
were  glad  to  rest  once  more  upon  the  grassy  sward  before 
the  hunter's  cabin,  reading  letters  from  home,  which  had 
been  brought  to  Nan  in  their  absence. 

Dr.  Arnold  and  Warren  are  in  deep  conversation,  the 
latter  stretched  out  upon  the  grass,  looking  upward  to 
the  grand  scenery  around  him. 

"  Look  at  those  magnificent  trees,  Dr.  Arnold :  how 
much  more  impressive  than  any  church  that  I  have  ever 
visited  !  Here  is  stupendous  height,  and  that  leads  the 
mind  upward ;  here  is  breadth  immeasurable,  and  that, 
too,  aids  our  attempts  at  worship ;  and  look  through  those 
arching  branches,  forming  such  mysterious  cloisters :  the 
woods  are  full  of  thoughts  of  God." 

"  That  is  all  true,  Warren  ;  but  this  worship  of  nature 
that  you  speak  of,  does  not  reach  the  wants  of  man: 
it  might  have  done  in  Eden ;  but  not  now,  upon  this 
polluted  earth." 

"  You  remember  Horace  Smith's  Ode  to  the  Flowers, 
Dr.  Arnold?" 

"  I  do,  Warren,  and  own  that  it  is  exquisite  poetry ; 
but  we  need  more  than  that.  Our  Father  knew  what 
was  in  man,  and  therefore  he  planted  a  church  upon 

earth,  organized  it,  and  called  upon  the  children  of  meii 
11 


122  WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

to  enter  its  fold,  and  feed  upon  the  food  which  it  offera 
to  weary  pilgrims:  beside,  Warreu,  there  is  a  social 
boi.d  connecting  us  all,  and  by  the  closeness  of  the 
church  relation  we  are  bound  together  as  one  family, 
having  common  joys  and  sorrows,  common  wants,  com- 
mon hopes,  and  a  common  home :  hence  our  Book  of 
Common  Prayer.  How  long  do  you  think  that  Chris- 
tianity could  exist  upon  earth,  if  man  everywhere 
worshipped  only  nature  ?  " 

Warrtn  lay  silent  for  a  while. 

"  I  wish  I  did  not  think  so  much,  Dr.  Arnold  —  so 
many  doubts  and  difficulties  chase  each  other  in  my 
head." 

"  They  can  all  be  settled  by  the  word  of  God,  Warren , 
but  by  nothing  else  —  remember  that.  Come,  boys,  let 
us  sing  our  evening  hymn.' 

And,  seated  around  upon  the  grass,  they  joined  in 
singing : 

"  Softly  now  the  light  of  day 
Fades  upon  my  sight  away; 
Free  from  care,  from  labor  free, 
Lord,  I  would  commune  with  Thoe." 

They  are  spending  several  days  now  at  the  cabin,  only 
going  off  far  enough  to  return  every  evening ;  and  many 
interesting  conversations  do  the  boys  have  with  Nichol 
and  Nan  about  their  wild,  adventurous  life. 

"  How  do  you  get  along  in  winter,  Nan  ?  "  inquired 
Allan. 


WESTBROOK.     PARSONAGE.  123 

"  Dreary  enough,  until  I  learned  how  to  read." 

"  How  did  you  learn  ?  "  inquired  the  boy. 

"  When  father  goes  away  to  sell  his  game  and  buy 
stores,  he  leaves  me  twice  a  year  at  Newcombe  Farm,  on 
the  lake ;  and  there  I  met  with  a  kind  lady,  who  taught 
me  how  to  read,  and  gave  me  a  heap  of  good  books." 

"  How  do  you  get  your  clothes  made,  Nan?  " 

"  Mrs.  Hughes  gets  them  made  for  me  when  I  go  down. 
I  have  nice  times  there,  for  she  has  a  girl,  named  Susan, 
about  my  age ;  and  we  are  so  sorry  when  I  have  to  go 
back  to  the  mountain." 

"  Shall  you  always  live  here  on  the  mountains,  Nan  ?  " 
inquired  Warren. 

"  1  don't  know :  father  wanted  to  send  me  to  school 
last  year,  but  I  could  n't  leave  him  all  alone  here  in  this 
lonely  place,  and  so  I  don't  know  what  is  to  become  of 
rue  :  maybe  father  '11  go  back  to  Canada  some  day ;  he 
says  I  have  an  aunt  there." 

Dr.  Arnold  lost  no  opportunity  to  speak  to  Nichoi 
upon  this  subject,  and  obtained  from  him  a  promise  that 
he  would  not  keep  Nan  here  always,  for  he  saw  that  it 
was  "  a  hard  lot  for  such  a  young  thing,  with  none  of 
her  own  kind  to  speak  to." 

It  is  now  the  last  night  before  their  return.  They  are 
all  stretched  out  upon  the  green  grass,  with  Fan  among 
the  group.  She  has  recovered  the  use  of  her  limb  now, 
can  skip  about  as  merry  as  any  of  them,  and  there  is 
not  one  who  would  be  willing  to  leave  the  fawn  behind. 


124  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  It  seems  as  if  we  had  been  away  six  months,  instead 
of  a  few  weeks,"  said  Warren. 

"  We  shall  all  feel  the  benefit  of  our  journey  aftei 
our  return,"  said  the  preceptor,  "  when  we  recover  from 
our  fatigue." 

Warren  wore  a  peculiarly  thoughtful  look,  and  Dr. 
Arnold  continued :  "  What,  are  you  thinking  of,  War- 
ren?" 

"  Of  the  future :  I  wonder  where  we  shall  all  be  ten 
years  hence  ?  I  shall  be  twenty-five  then." 

"  Have  you  ever  thought  of  a  profession  yet  ? " 

"  Not  exactly,  Doctor  :  but  there  is  a  future  of  fame 
ind  honor,  where  I  hope  to  make  my  mark.  No  yard- 
sticks nor  clerk's  desk  for  me." 

"  And  you,  Allan,  what  do  you  desire  ?  " 

"  A  life  just  like  my  father's  —  to  be  just  as  good  and 
useful." 

"  And  Archie  Murray  ?  " 

"  A  quiet  Christian  home  in  the  country,  where,  with 
dear  sister  Annie  for  my  housekeeper,  we  can  serve  God 
together." 

Harry  Seymour  was  lounging  upon  the  stump  of  •<, 
tree,  toying  with  the  trinkets  of  a  gold  watch-chain,  a 
3light  sneer  upon  his  handsome  face. 

"  And  you,  Harry  ?     Let  me  know  your  thoughts." 

"  All  I  want  is  plenty  of  money,  that  I  may  enjoy 
myself —  buy  fine  horses,  beautiful  pictures,  live  in  style, 
travel,  dash,  with  nothing  to  do." 


WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE.  125 

'  Aud  then  ?  "  said  the  preceptor  solemnly. 

'•  What  do  you  mean,  Dr.  Arnold? " 

"  All  this  must  end,  Harry;  and  then,  when  this  short 
life  is  over,  do  you  ever  think  what  follows  ?  " 

"  I  don't  trouble  myself  about  such  things,  now  ;  timft 
enough  for  that." 

"  Has  George  any  aspirations  ?  "  asked  the  gentleman, 
with  a  serious  look. 

"  I  want  to  make  money,  to  be  busy  among  the  bulls 
and  bears  of  Wall  Street,  to  heap  up  piles  of  gold,  and 
to  be  called  one  of  the  millionaires  of  New  York." 

"  And  these  are  the  aspirations  of  immortals  —  of 
beings  destined  for  eternity !  Allan  and  Archie  alone 
have  objects  worthy  of  their  nature.  Warren  may  reach 
the  pinnacle  of  fame;  but  that  will  not  make  him 
happy.  Harry  may  revel  in  self-indulgence,  but  the  sati- 
ated senses  will  be  his  tormentors;  and  George  will  spend 
sleepless  nights  fearing  to  lose  his  gold ;  while  Allan  and 
Archie  will  enjoy  the  blessedness  of  a  life  spent  for  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  man  here,  and  the  un- 
speakable bliss  of  endless  happiness  hereafter." 

"  I  should  like  to  know  what  we  are  all  to  be,"  said 
Warren.  "  Suppose  we  agree  to  meet  at  Little  Rugby 
ten  years  hence,  and  truly  relate  our  experience  ?  " 

"  Agreed,"  said  all  the  boys. 

"  Thai  is,  if  we  are  all  spared,"  interposed  Dr 
Arnold. 

"  That  of  course,"  replied  Warren. 
11* 


!26  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Each  one  then  noted  on  his  tablets  the  date  of  this 
engagement.  The  remainder  of  the  evening  was  spent 
in  settling  accounts  with  Nichol,  distributing  books  and 
tracts,  and  reminding  the  father  of  his  duty  concerning 
Nan,  obtaining  his  promise  to  write  to  Westbrook,  if 
any  trouble  should  come  upon  the  poor  girl.  Early  in 
the  morning,  they  bade  farewell  to  the  Adirondacks, 
ai>d  returning  as  they  came,  the  boys  soon  recovered 
their  merry  spirits,  which  had  been  somewhat  subdued 
among  the  grand  and  sombre  objects  of  nature  by  which 
they  had  been  encompassed.  They  found  it  rather  diffi- 
cult to  take  home  with  them  three  animals  instead  of 
two  —  for  Warren  said  that  Alice  must  have  the  fawn; 
and  it  cost  Dr.  Arnold  some  trouble  to  find  a  freight- 
car,  where  animals  were  conveyed  comfortably. 

At  the  end  of  four  weeks,  we  find  them  all  at  home 
once  more ;  Alice  charmed  with  her  pet,  and  the  family 
group  highly  entertained  by  accounts  of  their  summer 
travel  in  the  Adirondacks. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  PASTOR'S  AID. 

*  He  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor,  lendeth  ante  the  Lord  y  nd 
look,  what  he  layeth  out,  it  shall  be  paid  him  again." 

fTIHE  summer  tour  has  been  both  profitable  and 
•*•  delightful ;  but  the  children  eagerly  return  once 
more  to  their  pleasant  household  ways.  The  memory 
of  the  grand  mountain  scenery,  with  its  wild,  roman- 
tic features,  will  remain  powerfully  impressed  upon  the 
hearts  of  the  young  travellers ;  but  the  music  of  the 
birds  in  the  low  trees  of  the  orchard,  and  the  perfume 
of  the  sweet  flowers  around  the  parsonage  were  never 
so  precious  as  on  this  morning,  when  they  met  again 
around  the  family  altar. 

"  What  is  our  subject  to-day,  Margaret?  " 

"  The  duty  of  benevolence,  papa." 

"A  most  delightful  theme:  and  what  have  you  gath- 
ered from  the  Holy  Book  ?  " 

" '  Whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you, 
do  ye  even  sr  to  them:  for  this  is  the  law  and  the 
prophets.' " 

"  And  yours,  Warren  ?  " 

13T 


128  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"'He  that  soweth  little,  shall  reap  little;  and  he  that 
eoweth  plentifully,  shall  reap  plentifully.  Let  every 
man  do  according  as  he  is  disposed  in  his  heart,  not 
grudgingly,  or  of  necessity ;  for  God  loveth  a  cheerful 
giver.' " 

"  Let  me  hear  yours,  Allan." 

" '  God  is  not  unrighteous,  that  he  will  forget  your 
works,  and  labor  that  proceedeth  from  love ;  which  love 
ye  have  showed  for  his  Name's  sake,  who  have  ministered 
to  the  saints,  and  yet  do  minister.' " 

"  This  is  mine,  papa,"  said  Alice.  "  '  Whoso  hath  this 
world's  goods,  and  seeth  his  brother  have  need,  and 
shutteth  up  his  compassion  from  him,  how  dwelletb 
the  love  of  God  in  him?'" 

"  I  am  ready  now  for  Edward's." 

"  '  To  do  good,  and  to  distribute,  forget  not,  for  with 
such  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased.' " 

"  Now  Sunbeam's  ?  " 

" '  Blessed  be  the  man  that  provideth  for  the  sick  and 
needy ;  the  Lord  shall  deliver  him  in  the  time  of  trou- 
ble.'" 

"  A  blessed  and  pleasant  duty,  dear  children,  we  have 
been  considering,  and  one  that  seems  especially  pleasing 
to  our  common  Father.  By-and-by,  when  we  have 
more  time,  I  want  to  talk  over  this  matter." 

After  family  prayers,  the  good  pastor  is  passing  down 
the  lane,  bent  on  an  early  errand  of  mercy  to  a  suffering 
member  of  his  flock. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  129 

"  Can't  you  spare  a  minute,  papa  ?  "  said  Alice.  "Just 
go  with  me  to  the  summer-house :  my  head  is  brimful  of 
thoughts,  and  I  want  you  to  help  me  get  them  in  some 
order." 

Mr.  Hastings  took  out  his  watch  :  then,  with  a  smile, 
said,  "  I  can  spare  a  half-hour,  daughter." 

Taking  his  hand,  she  tripped  lightly  over  the  green 
orchard,  and  seating  himself,  said  pleasantly :  "  Now  for 
the  labyrinth,  Alice." 

"  Well,  you  see,  papa,  we  each  have  a  little  bank  of 
our  own  :  Father  Morgan  always  leaves  us  something ; 
Aunt  Gertrude  and  Aunt  Helen  send  us  frequent 
presents ;  and  I  have  been  thinking  how  much  good  we 
might  do,  if  we  only  knew  how.  We  always  give  some- 
thing to  the  missionary  fund  at  Sunday  school ;  but  then 
I  want  something  here  at  the  parsonage,  just  for  our  own 
family." 

"What  would  you  like  to  do,  Alice?" 

"  I  have  three  questions  to  ask,  papa — When?  How? 
What?" 

"  Now,  Alice,  I  shall  not  at  present  answer  your  ques- 
tions ;  but  I  '11  just  leave  you  to  think  how  objects  of 
nature  work,  and  then  come  again  and  tell  me  your 
thoughts.  But  good  morning  now,  my  love,"  and  the 
father  stooped  to  imprint  a  kiss  upon  the  sweet  young 
face,  that  looked  so  lovingly  in  his.  She  ran  on  before 

him,  opening  the  garden -gate  for  him  to  pass  out,  and 

I 


130  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

then,  slowly  turning  back,  whispered  to  herself:  "I  an. 
to  look  around  on  what  God  has  done." 

"  What  are  you  about,  Alice  ?  "  said  sister  Margaret. 
"  You  appear  to  be  dreaming  all  day,  and  mamma 
wants  us,  I  know." 

"  Does  she,  Mary  ?  then  I  am  ready ; "  and  away 
tripped  the  child,  having  found  something  to  do. 

"  I  have  all  these  aprons  to  make  for  Lucy ;  can't  you 
help  me  ?  "  said  the  lady. 

"  Gladly,  mamma ;  just  show  me  how ;"  and  soon  the 
child  was  seated  by  her  mother's  side,  busily  plying 
her  needle,  while  her  sweet  voice  sang : 

"  The  mite  my  willing  hands  can  give, 

At  Jesus'  feet  I  lay; 
Grace  shall  the  humble  gift  receive, 
Abounding  grace  repay." 

When  the  task  was  done,  Alice  was  out  in  the  sum- 
mer-house again. 

"  I  wonder  what  papa  means?  There  is  the  sun,  how 
does  he  work?  All  day  long,  and  what  for?  just  for 
the  good  of  man.  There  are  the  moon  and  stars,  they 
shine  at  night,  and  what  for  ?  for  the  good  of  man  and 
glory  of  God."  Many  other  thoughts  came  crowding 
into  the  young  brain,  as  she  mused  all  day  about  the 
puzzling  questions  of  doing  good  :  repeating  again  and 
ajrnin,  "  When  ?  How  ?  What  ?  " 

At  worship,  the  father  detained   the  family  group 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  131 

awhile,  and  smiling,  said,  "  Alice  has  been  puzzled  to- 
day :  now  we  must  all  help  her ;  she  wants  to  bo  doing 
good,  here  at  the  parsonage,  in  a  little  band,  I  suppose?" 

"  Yes,  that 's  it,  papa ;  but  now  I  want  my  first  ques- 
tion answered :  When?" 

"  Can  any  one  help  Alice  to  an  answer  ? "  said  the 
father. 

"  Whenever  we  have  opportunity  :  is  not  that  so, 
papa  ?  "  said  Margaret. 

"  That  is  an  excellent  answer." 

"  Now,  daughter,  let  me  ask  a  question  —  have  you 
been  looking  around  to-day  ?  " 

"  Yes,  papa,  and  thinking  so  very  nard :  I  watched  the 
sun,  papa." 

"  And  what  did  you  find  out,  Alice  ?  " 

"  That  he  shines  all  day  for  the  good  of  man." 

"What  of  the  flowers;  can  you  tell  me,  Margaret?" 

"  They  cheer  our  hearts,  perfume  the  air  with  their 
sweetness;  and  many  of  them  are  useful  in  other 
ways." 

"  What  does  the  sun  do? " 

"  I  know,  papa,"  said  little  Lucy ;  "  he  warms  the 
earth,  and  makes  the  plants  grow ;  and  he  warms  the 
water,  and  makes  the  cool  showers  fall."  - 

"  When  does  he  do  this  ?  " 

"  At  all  times,  papa." 

"  Now  we  have  answered  your  question.  When  must 
we  do  good  ?  " 


132  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  But  he 's  a  great  big  sun,  and  we  are  so  little  —  not 
even  stars,  papa,"  said  Lucy. 

"  Stop  awhile,  darling;  we'll  find  a  place  even  for  little 
Sunbeam." 

"  Now  comes  my  next  question,  papa  :  How  ?  "  said 
Alice. 

"  There  is  a  beautiful  answer  to  that  in  one  of  our 
texts,  papa,"  said  Allan :  " '  Not  grudgingly,  or  of  neces- 
sity ;  for  God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver.' " 

"  That  is  not  just  what  I  mean,"  said  Alice.  "  Perhaps 
the  other  question  tells  what  I  want  better:  In  what 


"As  the  most  good  is  done  in  bands  or  societies,  I 
suppose  that  is  what  you  are  looking  for,  Alice?" 

"  Yes,  papa ;  but  I  am  more  in  the  dark  than  ever." 

"  Think  over  the  different  societies  at  St.  Barnabas'." 

"  There  is  the  Dorcas  Society,  papa  —  we  could  not 
interfere  with  that ;  and  then  there  is  the  Missionary 
Society  —  that  is  too  hard  to  follow ;  then  there  is  the 
Mothers'  Meeting." 

"  Pet  Alice  conducting  a  Mothers'  Meeting,  ha !  ha !  " 
laughed  brother  Warren. 

"  I  never  thought  of  such  a  foolish  thing,  Warren  :  I 
was  only  naming  the  different  things.  Then  there  is  the 
Mite  Society  —  that  won't  do  either ;  and  there  is  the 
Sunday  school  —  we  are  all  too  young  to  teach." 

"  Suppose  I  drop  a  word  ?  "  said  Margaret.  "  We  want 
to  use  our  money  and  our  time  in  some  way  to  do  good 


WESTBEOOK     PARSONAGE.  133 

to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  poor,  or  sick,  or  ignorant 
people ;  is  not  that  what  you  want,  Alice  ?  " 

"Suppose,  Alice,"  said  her  father,  "that  we  pray 
most  earnestly  to  have  our  hearts  filled  with  the  love  of 
God :  then  we  need  not  go  searching  about  for  ways  to 
do  good  ;  for  every  breath  of  our  existence  will  then  be 
a  spontaneous  benediction." 

"Now  we  must  have  a  name,"  continued  Alice. 
"  There  is  the  Gleaners  —  no,  that  won't  do ;  for  we  are 
not  that,  nor  the  Mite  Gatherers  either." 

"  How  will  Young  Disciples  do  ?  "  asked  Allan. 

"  Are  we  all  really  that  ?  "  asked  Margaret.  "  That 
won't  do  either,  I  am  afraid." 

"  What  do  you  think  of  Sowers,  or  Workers,  or  Busy 
Bees?" 

"  I  don't  like  these  names  either,  Allan." 

"  How  will  Dewdrops  do  ?  "  inquired  Allan. 

"  It  does  not  express  what  we  want,"  answered  Mar- 
garet. 

"The  Little  Flock,"  "The  Children  of  the  Parson- 
age?" 

"No  —  no,"  said  Alice.  "Just  let  me  think:  we 
want  to  help  papa  in  his  work  among  the  poor,  and 
needy,  and  sorrowing.  I  have  it !  '  The  Pastor's  Aid ; ' 
that 's  the  name." 

"Papa  roust  be  president,  mamma  vice-president," 
said  Warren,  "  I  secretary,  Margaret  treasurer,  and  all 

the  rest  managers." 
12 


134  WESTBKOOK    PARSONAGE. 

"  That 's  a  new  way,  Warren,  to  elect  one's-  self  to 
office,"  said  papa,  laughing. 

"  It 's  altogether  novel,  papa,  and  we  won't  quarrel, 
shall  we?" 

"  No  —  no,"  said  all  the  voices ;  "  Warren  is  the 
best  secretary." 

"  Now,  how  shall  we  begin  ?  "  said  Alice. 

"  Go  about  with  your  eyes  open,"  answered  mamma. 
"  You  may  not  see  much  at  first ;  but  if  your  hearts  are 
in  the  work,  there  is  not  a  day  without  its  holy  mission." 

"  We  are  to  report  at  first  once  a  week — on  Saturday 
evening,  just  after  worship,"  said  Warren. 

The  parents  were  deeply  interested  in  "  The  Pastor's 
Aid,"  but  determined  to  give  no  more  hints.  Marga- 
ret and  Alice  were  often  seen  now  busily  engaged  in 
talking  in  the  summer-house,  but  as  yet  have  not  accom- 
plished any  thing. 

"  Jacob  is  really  sick,"  said  Debby ;  "  he  needs  some 
one  to  give  him  medicine  and  bathe  his  head  with  cool 
water  :  I  can  only  run  up  now  and  then,  poor  fellow  I  I 
hate  to  leave  him  so  much  alone." 

"  Work  for  '  The  Pastor's  Aid,' "  said  Margaret.  "  I  '11 
stay  with  him  to-day.  But  stop  —  we  were  to  go  out  with 
Mrs.  Lacey  this  afternoon,  to  take  that  delightful  ride. 
Well,  I  must  give  it  up !  you  go,  Alice !  " 

"I'll  stay  with  him  to-morrow,"  was  the  child's  reply 

And  this  was  the  first  act  of  mercy  performed  b^ 
"  The  Pastor's  Aid." 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  135 

"  '  Not  grudgingly,  or  of  necessity,' "  said  Margaret,  as 
she  entered  the  room  with  a  cheerful  face,  and  took  her 
sent  by  the  sick  man. 

"You  are  very  good,  miss,"  said  the  invalid,  as  he 
felt  the  refreshment  of  the  cool  linen  cloths  upon  his 
burning  head. 

Margaret  saw  the  carriage  drive  off  with  the  party  , 
but  kept  down  the  feeling  of  regret,  and  resumed  her 
seat  by  the  sufferer,  happy  in  the  thought  that  she  had 
resigned  a  pleasure  for  a  duty. 

The  next  day  we  find  Alice  in  the  sick  man's  room, 
and  the  parents  smiled  as  they  said  to  each  other, 
"  Work  for  '  The  Pastor's  Aid.' " 

Next  day,  papa  met  Alice  going  out  with  her  little 
basket. 

"  Which  way,  Alice?  "  said  the  pastor. 

"  To  get  some  lemons  for  Jacob,  papa.  We  are  finding 
work." 

"  What  are  you  about,  Allan  ?  "  asked  his  father,  see- 
ing him  busily  employed  with  paper,  twine,  and  scissors. 

"  Making  some  kites  for  the  little  Watsons.  You  know 
that  they  had  such  a  good  father  :  he  is  gone  now ;  and 
I  heard  the  boys  say  to  each  other,  as  they  watched  the 
kites  upon  the  common,  '  No  kites  now !'  The  father's 
gone,  papa,  but  they  shall  have  their  kites." 

For  the  afternoon,  the  orphans  were  soon  made  happy 
as  the  rest  by  Allan's  act  of  kindness.  This  was  all 
that  they  had  to  report  the  first  Saturday  evening : 


136  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  Twenty-five  cents  spent  for  poor- Jacob,  the  sacrifict 
of  two  days'  uleasure  for  his  comfort,  and  the  expendi- 
ture of  twenty-five  cents  for  the  orphan  boys." 

Warren  laughed  heartily  at  the  wonderful  work  of 
the  Pastor's  Aid  ;  but  the  parents  did  not  —  for  they 
looked  deeper  than  did  their  son. 

Margaret  and  Alice  were  out  walking,  when,  by  the 
road-side,  they  saw' a  poor,  ragged  child,  without  shoes 
or  stockings,  weeping  bitterly. 

"  What  is  the  matter,  little  girl  ?  "  inquiied  Margaret, 
in  kind  and  sympathizing  tones. 

"  My  mother  died  last  night :  we  have  no  way  to  bury 
her.  I  have  no  one  to  care  for  me,  now  that  she  is  gone." 

"  What  is  your  name?" 

"  Maggie  Dodd,"  was  the  reply. 

"Where  do  you  live,  Maggie ?"  inquired  Margaret. 

"  If  you  will  come  with  me,  I  will  show  you." 

The  two  girls  followed  the  desolate  child  to  a  wretched 
home  in  the  most  miserable  part  of  Westbrook.  The 
story  was  a  true  one,  as  the  neighbors  testified. 

"  Come  home  with  us,  Maggie,"  said  Margaret  Hast- 
ings, "  and  we  will  see  what  can  be  done." 

Taking  the  little  one  by  the  hand,  Margaret  led  her 
to  the  parsonage,  and,  taking  her  into  the  kitchen, 
begged  Debby  to  give  her  a  good  meal,  and  then  went 
into  the  sitting-room  to  consult  mamma. 

"We  will  find  the  grave-clothes,  mamma,"  said  Mar- 
garet ;  "  but  how  can  she  be  buried  ?  " 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  137 

"  Mr.  Robb,  the  sexton,  will  attend  to  it ;  he  can  get 
all  that  is  necessary  from  the  overseers  of  the  poor. 
But  what  is  to  be  done  with  the  poor  child  ?  " 

"  She  seems  like  a  nice  little  thing,  mamma,  and  the 
neighbors  all  give  her  a  good  character ;  we  can  give 
her  clothes,  and  can't  we  get  her  a  place  ? " 

"  We  will  try,  Margaret.  I  heard  Mrs.  Lacey  say,  the 
other  day,  that  she  would  like  to  bring  up  a  little  girl, 
for  Ellen's  time  will  soon  be  out." 

The  rest  of  the  week  was  busily  occupied  with  the 
poor  orphan  child.  By  the  close  of  another,  she  was 
comfortably  housed  with  Mrs.  Lacey,  and  the  Pastor's 
Aid  had  done  a  good  service  in  this  charitable  work. 

"  Getting  along,  my  dear,"  said  papa,  as  the  sccuiul 
report  was  read  on  Saturday  night. 

Maggie  was  placed  in  the  Sunday  school  too,  and  the 
young  girls  always  felt  as  if  Maggie  was  in  some  sense 
their  protegee.  Work  was  multiplying  now,  for  the  cool 
weather  was  coming  on,  and  we  find  the  girls  busy  in 
knitting  socks  for  the  more  destitute  in  the  Sunday 
school,  Warren  and  Allan  hunting  up  shoes  and  cast-off 
clothing,  and  Edward  and  Lucy  helping  to  buy  flannel 
for  the  old  people.  There  was  no  lack  of  occupation 
now,  for  the  heart  was  in  the  work  of  the  Pastor's  Aid. 

Late  in  the  fall,  a  letter  came  from  Nichol  Lescure, 
stating  that  he  was  laid  by  with  rheumatism,  and  would 
be  housed  all  winter.  Fortunately,  he  had  got  his  sup- 
ply of  fuel  under  the  shed,  and  provision  enough  to  last 
12* 


138  WESTBBOOK     PARSONAGE. 

until  spring ;  but  he  was  in  need  of  medicine,  and  Nan 
of  suitable  clothing,  for  he  had  been  unable  to  take  her 
down  to  Mrs.  Hughes  in  time.  If  anything  could  be 
sent  soon,  before  the  snow-storms  commenced,  Nan  would 
go  down  to  the  farm,  and  they  would  find  a  way  to  send 
the  box  up  the  mountain. 

"More  work  for  the  Pastor's  Aid,"  said  Wartvu. 
"Now  we  shall  have  something  worth  doing;  but  our 
funds  are  getting  low.  I  '11  ask  Harry  Seymour  —  he  '11 
give  us  something,  and  so  will  Dr.  Arnold ;  but  not  a 
cent  will  we  get  out  of  George :  he  is  too  selfish  for 
that." 

His  words  proved  true  —  the  Arnolds  contributed, 
and  so  did  Harry;  but  George  had  exhausted  his 
month's  allowance  —  so  he  said,  which  no  one  believed. 
The  box  was  filled  up  —  flannel  for  Nichol,  warm  clothes 
for  Nan,  plenty  of  medicines  and  books  selected  from  the 
children's  library,  which  they  had  read  over  and  over 
again. 

"  Won't  Nan  enjoy  all  this  ?  "  said  Allan,  as  he  saw 
the  books  packed  away  in  the  box.  And  so  the  Pastor's 
Aid  progressed,  establishing  the  household  flock  in 
practical  benevolence,  but  by  no  means  forgetting  their 
accustomed  contributions  at  St.  Barnabas'.  In  about 
two  weeks,  they  received  a  grateful  acknowledgment  of 
r.he  arrival  of  the  box,  and  a  repeated  charge  not  t<j 
neglect  poor  Nan  if  the  father  should  be  called  away : 
"For  she  is  a  good  girl  to  her  old  father,"  wrote 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  139 

Nichol ;  "  and  if  I  am  spared,  she  shall  go  back  to 
Canada  in  the  spring :  but  \ve  are  shut  up  now,  for  the 
snow  is  falling  daily,  and  we  shall  soon  be  banked  up 
for  three  or  four  months." 

"  That  was  a  happy  thought,  Alice,"  said  her  father, 
when  he  had  read  the  next  report  of  the  Pastor's  Aid ; 
"  happy  for  tbe  recipients,  but  most  for  the  originators 
of  this  little  working-band.  May  God  continue  to  blesa 
you  *i  your  work" 


CHAPTER  X. 

ONE  OP  THE   FLOCK   SMITTEN. 
••  Even  BO,  Father,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  Thy  sight' 

TTTE  have  an  important  subject  to-day,  my  children," 
said  the  pastor.    "  Let  us  hear  what  you  have  found 
about  the  carnal  mind." 

"  I  have  found  most  in  the  book  of  Romans,  papa," 
said  Margaret;  "and  first,  'For  to  be  carnally  minded  is 
death,  but  to  be  spiritually  minded  is  life  and  peace.' " 

"  And  yours,  Warren  ?  " 

" '  Because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God ; 
for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed 
can  be.' " 

"  I  have  one,  papa,"  added  Allan :  "  '  So  then  they 
that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God.' " 

"  Let  me  hear  yours,  Alice." 

" '  That  which  is  born  of  the  flesh,  is  flesh ;  and  that 
which  is  born  of  the  spirit,  is  spirit.'  " 

"Will  this  do,  papa?"  said  Edward:  "'And  you 
hath  he  quickened  who  were  dead  in  trespasses  an! 
sins.'" 

'*  Yes,  my  son,  that  is  a  very  suitable  passage. 

140 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  141 

reiuember,  dear  children,  that  this  is  a  description  of  the 
nature  which  is  brought  with  us  into  this  world,  and 
which  must  be  spiritually  changed  ere  we  be  made  fit 
for  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 

At  the  close  of  morning  prayer,  the  father  said :  "  The 
new  horse  is  in  the  carriage,  children  —  do  not  meddle 
with  him,  for  we  are  unacquainted  with  his  disposition 
yet ;  but  I  am  inclined  to  think  him  very  spirited." 

There  is  mourning  at  the  parsonage,  for  old  Brownie 
is  dead,  the  faithful  creature  that  had  drawn  them  for  so 
many  years. 

Warren  is  impetuous  and  self-willed,  daring  in  his 
nature,  and,  like  all  boys,  fond  of  horses,  and  of  display- 
ing his  strength  and  courage.  He  is  standing  at  the 
gate,  with  Alice,  his  darling  pet:  she  is  a  beautiful 
child,  with  deep  blue  eyes,  and  a  profusion  of  golden 
curls ;  she  is  a  sparkling  little  girl,  very  fond  of  brother 
Warren,  who  is  proud  of  his  lovely  sister.  They  are 
admiring  the  new  horse,  who  stands  there  pawing  the 
ground,  as  though  impatient  to  be  off. 

"Isn't  he  splendid,  brother?"  said  the  child.  At 
that  moment  he  gave  a  low  whinny,  turning  his  head 
toward  the  two. 

"I  do  believe  that  he  wants  us  to  get  in  the  carriage," 
said  Warren;  "suppose  we  do?" 

"Would  it  be  right,  Warren?"  said  the  child. 

"  I  don't  mean  to  drive  off:  I  only  want  to  see  what  he 
would  say  to  us?"  Lifting  Alice  in,  he  took  his  place 


142  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

on  the  driver's  seat,  and,  taking  the  reins  lightly  in  hia 
hand,  laid  them  on  the  horse's  neck.  The  touch  of  the 
reins  was  enough  for  the  spirited  animal  — he  started  off; 
and  Warren  tried  to  check  him,  but  could  not  recover 
the  reins,  which  had  dropped  from  his  hand,  and  were 
striking  the  animal's  shanks  repeatedly.  Before  War- 
ren could  regain  possession  of  them  he  was  in  full  gal- 
lop, and  it  was  in  vain  to  try  to  stop  him. 

Jacob  heard  the  noise,  and  saw  the  danger ;  he  fol- 
lowed the  flying  carriage,  making  a  zigzag  course,  until, 
striking  upon  a  large  stump  of  a  tree,  Alice  was  dashed 
out  of  the  carriage,  and  Jacob  was  just  in  time  to  save 
her  from  the  hoofs  of  the  animal. 

Warren  was  in  agony  as  he  bent  over  the  insensible 
child.  "  Is  she  dead,  Jacob  ?  "  said  the  boy,  wringing 
his  hands. 

"  I  think  not,  for  the  heart  is  beating ;  but  we  must 
get  her  home  immediately ;"  and  lifting  the  child  in  his 
arms,  he  hurried  with  her  to  the  parsonage. 

"  Run  on  before,  Master  Warren,"  said  the  man,  "  and 
bring  in  Dr.  Lacey." 

Fleet  as  the  wind,  the  boy  soon  reached  home,  and 
after  having  prepared  the  family  for  the  sight  of  their 
sweet  Alice,  he  hurried  over  to  the  doctor,  who  had  not 
yet  started  on  his  morning  tour.  Upon  examination,  he 
pronounced  the  spine  seriously  injured,  but  could  not 
tell  the  final  result  for  weeks  yet.  Papa  stood  by  witb 
a  troubled,  reproachful  face,  as  he  looked  at  Warren. 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  143 

"  Don't  reproach  me,  papa,"  said  the  boy.  "I  did  not 
aiean  to  drive  off:  we  only  took  a  seat  in  the  carriage, 
to  see  how  the  horse  would  act ;  the  reins  fell  around  his 
feet,  and  that  started  him.  I  know  what  you  would  say, 
papa — we  should  not  have  got  in  ;  but  don't  reproach 
me  —  I  am  punished  enough." 

Weeks  of  great  suffering  followed  this  distressing  acci- 
dent, and  Warren  spent  all  his  leisure  time  by  the  bed- 
side of  the  sufferer,  a  most  devoted  and  faithful  nurse. 

There  is  a  consultation  of  eminent  physicians,  at  thd 
close  of  twelve  weeks,  and  the  sentence  has  gone  forth : 
"  Alice  will  never  walk  again." 

Warren  was  in  the  entry,  listening  with  fearful  anx- 
iety. He  overheard  the  dreadful  words,  and  clasping 
both  hands  to  his  throbbing  head,  he  rushed  away  to 
his  room,  where  he  remained  all  day,  pacing  the  floor 
in  agony,  or  tossing  upon  the  bed,  a  pitiable  sight  to  be- 
hold. Repeated  messages  had  been  sent  to  him,  but  his 
door  was  fastened ;  at  length  his  father  knocked : 

"  Open  the  door,  Warren :  I  have  something  to  say  to 
you,  my  son." 

"  Please,  dear  papa,  spare  me — not  yet — I  cannot  see 
any  one :  I  am  not  fit  to  see  those  whom  I  have  so 
afflicted." 

"By-and-by,  my  son,  I  will  be  back  again."  To- 
ward evening  the  father  returned.  "  This  time  I  must 
come  in,  Warren."  The  boy  arose  and  unlocked  th<- 
door.  With  haggard  face,  and  bloodshot  eyes,  he  met 


144  WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE. 

his  father's  pitying  gaze.  "  Here  is  a  cup  of  tea,  War- 
ren :  you  must  take  it — it  will  revive  you ;  and  then  you 
must  come  to  Alice :  she  is  the  only  one  that  can  com 
fort  you — sweet,  patient  child!" 

"  How  can  I  look  at  her,  papa  ?  Have  I  not  blighted 
her  young  life,  papa?  —  her  sweet,  young  life?  Alice! 
Alice  ! "  and  the  boy  raised  his  clasped  hands  over  his 
burning  head. 

Dr.  Hastings  took  the  hands  between  his  own,  put 
back  the  dark  locks  from  his  orcw,  and  bathed  his  face 
in  cool  water,  laying  iced  cloths  upon  his  head. 

"  So  comforting,  papa ! "  said  Warren,  as  he  laid  down, 
somewhat  quieted.  "  How  did  she  bear  it,  papa  ?  " 

"  Almost  like  an  angel,  Warren ;  she  says,  '  It  is  God's 
will,  I  can  bear  it,  papa  ; '  and  ever  since  she  has  been 
whispering  words  of  peace  to  her  mother  and  the  rest. 
Come,  now,  Warren,  she  wants  to  see  you." 

Leaning  on  his  father's  arm,  the  suffering  boy  went 
slowly  along  the  passage,  until  he  reached  the  door  of 
his  sister's  room. 

"  Stop  a  minute,  Warren  —  they  are  singing." 

And  the  sweet  voices  within,  in  low,  soothing  strains, 
sang  the  words  of  that  beautiful  hymn  : 

"  Thy  will  be  done." 

They  stopped,  and  Dr.  Hastings  opened  the  door. 
Alice  was  lying  on  her  bed,  the  most  composed  of  all 
that  suffering  group.  Long  confinement  and  suffering 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  145 

ha«l  paled  the  roses  on  her  cheek,  but  the  lily  tint  was 
just  as  lovely,  and  the  deep  blue  eyes  turned  to  the 
door  with  such  a  look  of  love,  as,  smiling,  she  extended 
her  arms,  and  said,  "  Dear,  dear  Warren,  come  to  me;  " 
and  folding  her  arms  around  her  brother,  she  pressed 
sweet  kisses  upon  the  boy's  cheek  and  brow. 

"  You  are  weak,  dear :  come,  lie  down ;  I  have  a  great 
iloul  to  say,  and  the  rest  will  leave  us  by  ourselves."  The 
'loor  closed,  and  the  two  loving  hearts  were  alone  ID 
their  sorrow. 

"  Now,  Warren,  you  must  not  grieve  so :  it  is  God's 
will,  or  I  would  not  be  lying  here.  You  did  not  drive 
the  animal  —  he  started  himself." 

"  Yes,  sister,  I  know  that ;  but  I  persuaded  you  to  get 
in." 

"  Still,  Warren,  nothing  happens  without  God's  knowl- 
edge :  you  know  the  sparrow  does  not  fall  to  the  ground 
unless  he  knows  it,  and  I  know  that  we  are  better  than 
the  sparrows." 

"  But  you  are  so  young,  Alice,  and  such  a  lively  bird: 
how  can  you  live  shut  up  in  the  house  all  the  time? " 

"  I  shall  not  be,  brother ;  Dr.  Lacey  says  that  I  can 
have  a  carriage  made,  which  can  be  drawn  by  the  hand, 
and  that  I  must  go  out  every  day.  You  will  draw  me, 
and  so  will  Allan,  and  everybody  at  the  parsonage ; 
why,  papa,  mamma,  and  everybody  would  act  horse  for 
/Vlice." 

"  But  are  you  to  be  always  on  the  bed,  Alice  ? " 
13  K 


146  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"Not  always,  brother:  papa  is  going  to  have  a  swing- 
ing couch  made,  on  wheels,  that  can  be  moved  about 
anywhere,  with  an  arrangement  for  sitting  up  at  any 
height,  by  hinges  at  the  head-board.  I  am  getting  bet- 
ter now,  and  I  can  soon  read,  and  sew,  and  draw  ;  and  I 
am  to  be  down  in  the  little  room,  next  to  the  library,  all 
day,  and  carried  up  at  night." 

Warren  was  sobbing  again :  the  very  sweetness  ago- 
nized the  boy.  She  laid  her  hand  gentiy  uron  his  brow, 
and  whispered,  "  Don't  cry  so,  dear  Warren  :  we  shall 
have  many  sweet  hours  together ;  and  I  am  one  of  the 
Pastor's  Aid  yet.  I  shall  not  go  to  school  any  more, 
but  Dr.  Arnold  will  give  me  lessons  twice  a  week,  as 
soon  as  the  doctor  says  that  I  am  ready.  All  the  meet- 
ings of  the  society  will  be  in  my  room,  Warren,  and 
I  can  do  more  now  than  I  used  to." 

"How  is  that,  Alice?" 

"  I  have  been  thinking  a  great  deal  about  it,  wl>eu 
alone.  I  can  write  little  notes  to  children,  and  to  poor 
people,  and  to  sick  people,  and  perhaps  they  may  be 
willing  to  attend  to  a  little  girl's  words,  when  they  come 
from  a  suffering  couch." 

"  Do  you  really  feel  happy,  Alice  ?  " 

"Not  yet,  Warren,  but  contented.  By-and-by,  when 
I  get  used  to  my  couch,  then  we  shall  have  merry  times, 
again  ;  we  are  not  going  to  sigh  and  cry  all  the  time." 

This  interview  was  a  great  comfort  to  the  boy,  and 
daily  did  he  seek  the  sufferer's  room,  where  gradually 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  147 

ne  learned  to  hear  this  great  sorrow  patiently.  In 
a  few  weeks  more,  the  swinging  couch  arrived ;  cush- 
ioned and  placed  in  the  little  room  down  stairs,  Alice 
was  laid  upon  it,  and  Warren  rocked  the  cradle,  for  such 
it  really  was. 

"  You  must  learn  the  sweet  cradle-song,  brother,  and 
when  I  am  in  pain,  you  shall  sing  it ;  I  mean  Gott- 
schalk's;  it  is  so  soothing:  go  play  it,  Margaret;  I  can 
hear,  if  you  open  the  parlor-door.  Is  not  this  delightful, 
Warren  ?  Here  I  am  in  the  midst  of  you  all,  close  by 
mamma's  sitting-room — so  near  papa  that  he  can  run  in 
and  get  his  twelve-o'clock  lunch  with  me  —  in  sight  of 
the  sweet  orchard  —  in  hearing  of  the  singing  birds. 
Mamma  can  sit  here  with  her  sewing,  and  Margaret  can 
soothe  me  with  her  sweet  music  on  the  parlor  organ. 
Then,  in  the  afternoon,  you  can  bring  round  my  little 
carriage,  and  we  can  ride  through  the  pleasant  lanes, 
and  I  can  enjoy  life  yet,  Warren." 

Alice  spent  much  time  now  reading  her  Testament, 
and  the  Holy  Spirit,  with  all  His  enlightening  and  sanc- 
tifying power,  was  her  teacher.  As  soon  as  she  was 
dressed  in  the  morning,  she  would  say,  "  Now,  mamma, 
my  little  Testament  —  then  leave  me  alone  for  half  an 
hour;  this  is  my  sweetest  hour  until  evening  conies 
round  again."  Always  present  at  morning  prayer,  she 
still  took  her  part  in  the  selection  of  the  daily  texts. 
Every  member  of  the  family  vied  with  each  other  in  at- 
tentions to  the  sweet  child ;  and  the  lovely  flowers,  alwayi 


148  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

on  her  table  by  the  side  of  her  couch,  gave  daily  proof 
of  the  love  bestowed  upon  Alice  Hastings  by  the  people 
of  St.  Barnabas'.  Smitten,  indeed,  in  the  early  days  of 
bright,  happy  girlhood ;  but  in  this  case  truly  did  "  pa- 
tience have  her  perfect  work." 

Alice  is  growing  in  grace  under  the  discipline  of  suf- 
fering. It  is  esteemed  a  privilege  by  many  to  sit  by  her 
couch,  and  hear  her  tell,  in  her  own  touching  way,  about 
the  goodness  of  God,  and  all  that  is  done  to  make  her 
happy ;  and  many  an  impressive  sermon  is  preached  un- 
consciously in  that  little  room  of  privation  and  trial. 

But  there  is  another  visitation  at  the  parsonage  — the 
little  delicate  lamb,  baby  Emily,  suddenly  taken  from 
the  flock,  and  translated  to  the  kingdom  above.  It  is 
the  first  empty  chair  in  the  family  group ;  but  \vith  the 
bereavement  comes  the  comfort,  for  they  feel  that  the 
frail  little  blossom  is  sheltered  in  her  Father's  house 
from  the  rude  blasts  of  this  lower  world,  and  know  thai 
they  shall  meet  again. 


CHAPTER   XL 

ENGLESBY   TERRACE. 
"  For  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God." 


is  a  fine  site  for  a  residence  but  a  few  rods 
from  the  parsonage,  and  the  inmates  of  the  latter 
have  often  wished  that  it  might  be  occupied  by  some 
agreeable  neighbor.  It  was  the  highest  situation  any- 
where near,  and  the  fresh  green  of  the  grassy  slope 
seemed  exactly  the  spot  for  a  beautiful  lawn.  There 
were  many  fine  trees,  too,  on  the  hill,  the  property  ex- 
tending back  to  the  pretty  creek  bordering  this  part  of 
Westbrook.  One  day,  a  carriage  drove  up  to  the  hill, 
and  a  lady  and  young  girl,  accompanied  by  a  gentleman, 
stepped  out.  Both  were  in  deep  mourning,  and  gave 
rise  to  some  agreeable  speculations  among  the  young 
folks  at  the  parsonage,  as  they  walked  around  the 
premises,  the  gentleman  measuring  distances.  In  a  few 
weeks,  the  workmen  were  there,  breaking  the  ground, 
and  Warren  remarked  : 

"  I  think  that  we  are  going  to  have  neighbors  on  the 
hill,  papa  :  the  workmen  are  already  on  the  premises." 

The  children  were  deeply  interested  in  watching  the 
13  »  149 


150  WESTBEOOK     PARSONAGE. 

progress  of  affairs,  as  the  handsome  browiwtone  house 
rose  rapidly.  In  the  meanwhile,  one  of  the  new  orilcr 
of  ministers  is  about  to  take  up  his  abode  at  Westbrook, 
bringing  with  him  the  fossils  in  which  he  imagines  there 
is  life.  A  number  of  the  inhabitants  are  tainted  with 
the  defunct  theology,  and  must  have  a  chapel  of  their 
own,  where  they  can  enjoy  High  Ritualism,  as  they  have 
it  in  the  neighboring  city. 

The  family  at  the  parsonage  somehow  associate  the 
new  mansion  on  the  hill  and  the  embryo  chapel  to- 
gether, for  a  clergyman  in  peculiar  garb  is  often  seen 
walking  around  the  grounds,  conversing  with  the  work- 
men, and  frequently,  with  the  lady  in  mourning,  seems  to 
be  giving  advice. 

It  is  soon  announced  that  the  corner-stone  of  a  new 
chapel  will  be  laid  about  eight  blocks  from  St.  Barna- 
bas', to  be  called  St.  Gregory's,  and  the  minister  is  the 
Rev.  Hugh  Moncrief. 

The  two  buildings  proceed  until  the  cold  weather 
obliges  the  workmen  to  stop  until  spring. 

There  is  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Hughes  at  the  Adirondack 
Iron  Works,  telling  that  Nichol  Lescure  is  no  more,  and 
that  poor  Nan  is  at  the  Newcombe  Farm,  homeless  and 
pennyless,  asking,  at  the  same  time,  if  the  former  visitors 
at  the  mountains  can  do  any  thing  for  her. 

Dr.  Arnold  is  consulted. 


WESTBROOK   PARSONAGE.          161 


"  We  cannot  refuse  the  call,  can  we,  sisters  ?  "  said  the 
good  man. 

"  I  think  not,"  was  Mary  Arnold's  quick  reply. 
"  We  could  make  such  a  girl  very  useful  in  our  family, 
und  it  might  be  a  great  blessing  to  the  poor  child  to 
bring  her  within  reach  of  the  Gospel." 

"  She  shall  come,"  said  the  brother,  and,  writing  im- 
mediately, Mrs.  Hughes  replied  that  her  husband  was 
going  on  the  following  week  to  New  York,  and  would 
be  there  on  Thursday  at  the  hotel-depot  with  the  child, 
where  he  would  wait  for  some  one  to  take  her  to  West- 
brook. 

Margaret  and  Alice  were  greatly  interested  in  the 
prospect  of  a  stranger  added  to  the  Westbrook  circle. 

"  More  work  for  the  Aid,  sister,"  said  Alice.  "  We 
must  hunt  up  something  for  Nan,  for  I  suppose  she  will 
hardly  look  civilized  here." 

With  the  help  of  Mrs.  Lacey  and  the  ladies  at  Little 
Rugby,  they  gathered  quite  enough  material  for  a  decent 
outfit  in  a  few  days.  Dr.  Arnold  was  at  the  post  on 
the  day  appointed,  and  poor  Nan  silently  took  his  hand, 
bursting  into  tears  ;  for  the  memory  of  the  summer 
visitors  had  always  been  fraught  with  pleasant  associa- 
tions, and  was  now  especially  linked  with  her  departed 
father. 

"You  have  friends  at  Westbrook,  Nan,"  said  Dr. 
Arnold  :  "  don't  gneve  too  much  —  they  are  waiting  for 
you." 


152  WE8TBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

Toward  evening  they  arrived  at  Little  Rugbj,  and 
the  ladies  wondered  how  they  were  going  to  make  any- 
thing civilized  out  of  such  a  wild,  rough-looking  child 
as  the  one  brought  to  their  fireside.  Large  and  muscu- 
lar for  fourteen,  with  a  brown,  weather-beaten  skin,  and 
shaggy  black  hair,  shrinking  away  from  strangers, 
almost  afraid  to  raise  her  eyes,  which  were  the  only 
redeeming  features  of  her  face ;  but  when  she  did  raise 
them  for  a  moment,  Margaret  Arnold  saw  that  they 
were  large,  lustrous,  and  full  of  feeling. 

Dr.  Arnold  went  over  for  Margaret  after  tea,  and  the 
soft  dark  eyes,  with  the  low,  sweet  tones  of  voice  that  fell 
upon  the  ears  of  the  orphan  child,  seemed  at  once  to 
inspire  her  with  confidence ;  for  coming  quietly  to  her 
side,  she  laid  her  hand  in  Margaret's,  and  seemed  quite 
satisfied  with  her  new  friends. 

"This  is  a  subject  for  Alice,"  said  Dr.  Arnold.  "  Nan 
must  go  over  on  Saturday  afternoon-  I  am  sure  that 
Alice  will  do  her  good." 

Next  morning  she  was  early  at  the  parsonage,  and  the 
two  girls  were  soon  busy,  with  the  help  of  mamma,  in 
devising  ways  of  making  Nan  a  little  more  presentable. 

On  the  following  day,  Nan  was  present  at  family 
prayers,  and  listened  very  attentively  to  the  instruction 
of  the  good  pastor. 

"  What  is  our  subject  to-day,  Margaret?  " 

"The  duty  of  repentance,  papa  ;  and  this  is  my  text: 
•  Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be  baptized 


WESTBEOOK     PARSONAGE.  163 

every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the 
remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.' " 

"  I  am  ready  for  yours,  Warren." 

" '  I  tell  ye  nay,  but  except  ye  repent,  ye  shall  all 
likewise  perish.'" 

"  What  has  Allan  to  say  ?" 

"  '  And  the  times  of  this  ignorance  God  winked  at,  but 
uo\v  commandeth  all  men  everywhere  to  repent.'  " 

"Has  Alice  any?" 

"  '  And  they  went  out  and  preached  that  men  should 
repent.' " 

"  I  am  waiting  for  Edward's  ?  " 

"  '  Repent  ye,  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand.' " 

"  Now  Sunbeam's  ?  "  said  the  pastor,  with  his  smile  for 
the  little  one. 

" '  Repent  ye,  and  believe  the  gospel.'  " 

"  You  have  brought  me  excellent  texts,  my  children, 
on  a  very  important  subject.  Man  is  everywhere  a  sin- 
ner, and  needs  to  repent  before  God  ;  but  true  repentance 
is  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  for  this  we  must  pray, 
that  he  would  enable  us  to  see  our  sins  and  to  exercise 
that  godly  sorrow  which  needeth  not  to  be  repented  of." 

Nan  looked  around  with  a  bewildered  expression,  for 
she  wondered  where  they  got  all  those  »•  '  vords  from . 
:*he  was  sure  that  she  knew  none. 

Two  days  of  altering  and  fitting,  with  Mrs.  Lacey's 
help,  did  wonders ;  and  when  Nan  made  her  appearance 


J54  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

at  Little  Rugby  at  the  close  of  the  third  day,  the  ladies 
scarcely  could  believe  that  there  could  have  been  such  a 
transformation.  The  short,  skimped,  brown  dress  was 
exchanged  for  a  dark  de  laine,  made  high  in  the  neck, 
with  a  crimped  ruffle,  and  a  neat,  white  apron.  Good 
boots  and  stockings  had  replaced  those  completely  worn 
out ;  and  a  straw  hat,  with  black  ribbon,  placed  upon  hair 
neatly  combed,  and  black  and  glossy  now,  gave  quite  a 
civilized  appearance  to  the  mountain  girl. 

"  Are  n't  they  good,  Dr.  Arnold  ?  "  said  the  girl,  her 
dark  eyes  swimming  in  grateful  tears. 

"  Yes,  Nan ;  you  have  found  friends  now.  Miss  Mar- 
garet is  one  of  the  kindest  and  best ;  and  Miss  Alice 
—  well !  you  '11  find  out  all  about  that,  dear  child,  on 
Saturday  afternoon." 

The  ladies  at  Little  Rugby  found  Nan  to  be  docile 
and  willing,  very  anxious  to  repay  her  kind  benefactors 
for  what  they  had  done  for  her,  but  utterly  ignorant  of 
all  the  customs  of  civilized  life,  so  that  they  had  much 
to  teach  —  how  to  sit  in  a  proper,  feminine  manner — 
what  uses  to  make  of  her  fingers — how  to  enter  a  room, 
and  when  not  to  enter — and  how  to  take  care  of  her  per- 
son. But  there  was  good  progress ;  and  what  she  once 
really  learned,  she  was  not  apt  to  forget. 

The  appearance  of  Alice  Hastings  had  made  a  deep 
impression  upon  the  girl,  for  she  had  never  conceived  of 
anything  so  spiritual  as  the  lovely  child,  who  was  now 
her  teacher.  Words  from  such  a  source  came  fraughl 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  155 

to  Nan  with  great  power ;  and  whenever  she  returned  to 
Little  Rugby  from  these  interviews,  she  could  relate  all 
that  hud  passed,  and  the  ladies  comforted  Alice  with 
the  assurance  that  she  had  no  more  hopeful  pupil  than 
poor  Nan  Lescure. 

But  her  first  visit  to  St.  Barnabas'  was  one  not  to  be 
forgotten ;  for  notwithstanding  all  the  instruction  of  the 
ladies,  concerning  deportment  in  the  house  of  God,  she 
was  so  struck  with  wonder  that  she  was  an  object  of 
much  amusement  to  the  young  folks  near  her.  With 
eyes  roving  about,  and  mouth  open,  she  watched  the 
congregation  and  the  minister;  and  when  the  organ 
struck  up,  Nan  started  to  her  feet  with  a  bound,  and, 
facing  the  organ,  wondered  what  there  was  up  in  that 
high  gallery.  Nan  had  never  been  in  the  house  of  God 
before,  and  when  Miss  Mary  tried  to  help  her  find  the 
places  in  the  Prayer  Book,  there  was  but  little  devotion 
in  that  day's  service  in  the  Arnold  pew,  for  curiosity 
was  so  wide  awake,  that  nothing  could  silence  her  whis- 
pered questions ;  but  she  tried  in  some  degree  to  imitate 
the  manner  of  the  people  rather  too  closely,  for  Mies 
Mary  had  told  her  to  watch  her  neighbors,  and  follow 
their  example,  adding  that  she  would  know  the  mean- 
ing of  everything  hereafter.  Unfortunately  for  the  first 
lesson,  there  were  strangers  present  on  that  morning  at 
Si.  Barnabas',  and  Nan  selected  the  most  demonstrative 
in  her  first  attempt  at  outward  worship.  Miss  Marj 
observed  persons  smiling  near  her,  and  could  scarcely 


156  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

restrain  a  smile  herself,  when  she  saw  Nan  imitating,  in 
a  wonderfully  awkward  manner,  the  bowings  and  genu- 
flections of  several  ladies  of  the  ritualistic  order,  not  only 
in  the  Creed,  but  in  all  the  Glorias,  evidently  satisfied 
with  herself.  The  Hastings  children  had  one  glimpse, 
mid  the  father  was  pained  at  the  sight  of  Edward  and 
Lucy,  first  glancing  at  Nan,  and  then  covering  their 
eyes  iu  their  efforts  to  hide  their  laughter,  whispering 
every  now  and  then  at  some  new  attempt  at  imitation. 
Miss  Mary  was  careful,  after  that,  how  she  told  Nan  to 
follow  the  example  of  her  neighbors. 

The  winter  passed  rapidly  away,  for  all  were  busy 
people,  both  at  the  parsonage  and  at  Little  Rugby. 
Alice  was  deeply  interested  in  her  protegee,  for  now  she 
was  full  of  questions,  and  drank  in  Scriptural  knowledge 
with  great  avidity. 

Early  in  the  spring,  the  build iug  on  Englesby  Terrace 
recommenced,  and,  by  the  first  summer  month,  was  com- 
pleted. The  young  people  at  the  parsonage  asked  per- 
mission of  the  workmen  to  go  through  the  building, 
which  they  found  to  be  an  elegantly  finished  mansion, 
with  all  the  conveniences  of  modern  days.  There  was 
one  room  on  the  second  floor,  adjoining  a  large,  front 
chamber,  which  most  excited  their  curiosity,  having  a 
large  bay-window,  of  the  richest  painted  glass ;  the  walls 
also  were  illuminated  and  adorned  with  pictures  of 
Scripture  scenes.  There  was  an  especially  fine  painting 
of  the  Virgin,  which  overlooked  something  like  a  small 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  157 

altar,  covered  with  a  richly  embroidered  cloth,  reaching 
to  the  floor ;  on  each  end  of  the  altar  were  silver  can- 
dlesticks, \?itli  a  crucifix  in  the  centre,  and  on  one  side 
lav  the  Prayer  Book,  the  Book  of  Hours,  and  a  copy  of 
the  Director  ium  Anglicanum,  and  a  Bible. 

"Can  you  tell  me  the  lady's  name?"  said  Margaret, 
to  an  upholsterer,  passing  through  the  room. 

"  I  think  it  is  Sherwood,  a  very  wealthy  lady  from 
New  York,  who  is  coming  here  with  her  daughter  to 
live." 

"  Is  she  a  Roman  Catholic  ?  "  inquired  Warren. 

"I  believe  not,"  said  the  man,  smiling:  "she  is  one 
of  the  ritualists ;  halfway  to  Rome,  I  should  say." 

The  house  was  partially  furnished,  the  halls  and  stair- 
case adorned  with  large  and  elegant  pictures  set  in 
niches,  especially  one  of  the  Nativity  and  the  Ascension. 
Flowers  were  blooming  in  the  garden,  for  men  had  been 
at  work  there  from  early  spring.  It  was  evidently  the 
home  of  affluence;  but  not  of  enlightened  piety.  So 
thought  Margaret  Hastings,  as  she  turned  homeward. 

For  several  days  longer,  rich  furniture  was  arriving, 
and  the  mansion  was  frequently  visited  by  the  lady  in 
mourning. 

One  morning,  at  an  early  hour,  Margaret  perceived 
the  lady,  accompanied  by  a  very  young  girl,  in  sable 
weeds  also,  walking  in  the  grounds. 

"  I  think  that  the  strangers  have  come,  mamma,"  said 

the  young  lady.     "  The  younger  one  is  a  sweet-looking 
14 


15S  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

girl  of  about  fifteen,  and  seems  very  attentive  to  her 
mother.    I  hope  that  we  shall  have  agreeable  neighbors." 

Seclusion  seemed,  however,  to  be  what  the  lady  de- 
sired —  seldom  going  out,  except  to  ride,  or  to  attend 
upon  the  services  at  St.  Gregory's. 

Mrs.  Sherwood  was  the  widow  of  Howard  Sherwood, 
a  wealthy  merchant  of  New  York,  who  at  his  death 
left  a  princely  fortune  to  his  widow  and  child.  They 
had  been  a  united,  happy  pair,  and  the  bereavement  had 
BO  bowed  down  the  widow's  heart,  that  she  had  entirely 
renounced  the  gay  world  in  which  she  had  formerly 
moved,  and  turned  her  thoughts  to  preparation  for 
another  world.  Unfortunately,  she  had  cast  her  lot 
among  the  high  ritualists  of  New  York ;  but  there 
was  too  much  of  a  longing  desire  to  know  the  truth, 
too  much  consciousness  of  estrangement  from  a  holy 
God,  ever  to  be  entirely  satisfied  with  the  glitter  and 
sensuous  worship  of  St.  Agapius'.  To  be  sure,  there  was 
emotion  of  a  certain  character  during  the  processional 
singing  There  was  something  of  awe  and  superstitious 
reverence  when  at  the  Holy  Communion  —  she  was 
taught  that  she  bowed  in  the  presence  of  the  real  body 
and  blood  of  our  Lord.  She  would  have  felt  the  same  at 
hearing  the  strains  of  Stabat  Maier,  or  during  the  sing- 
ing of  the  Miserere ;  but  that  was  not  spiritual  worship. 
She  would  have  felt  the  same  at  an  opera  where  dra- 
matic performance  sometimes  partook  of  a  religious 
character ;  but  neither  was  that  spiritual  worship. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  159 

Anxious  to  know  the  truth,  Mrs.  Sherwood  read  the 
Bcriptures  daily;  and  there  she  found  justification  by 
faith  — the  new  birth,  adoption,  sanctifi cation,  and  con- 
scious assurance  of  peace  with  God.  These  were  distant 
oases  in  the  spiritual  life  never  yet  reached;  for  the 
mirage  of  the  ritualistic  desert  constantly  misled  her 
thirsty  search,  only  to  tantalize  her  weary  wanderings. 
But,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Rev.  Hugh  Moncrief,  she 
still  attended  upon  the  daily  service  at  St.  Gregory's,  for 
she  knew  nothing  better. 

Her  daughter  Agnes  was  a  lovely  girl  of  fifteen,  moat 
carefully  trained  in  her  mother's  faith.  Imaginative, 
refined,  talented,  there  was  much  in  this  sensuous  wor- 
ship, these  object-lessons  of  false  doctrine,  to  fascinate  a 
young  and  ardent  nature,  and  Agnes  was  an  enthusiastic 
devotee. 

Taught  that  she  was  truly  regenerated  in  the  sacra- 
ment of  baptism,  at  an  early  age  she  had  been  confirmed, 
and  brought  to  the  Holy  Communion ;  and  so  the  young 
creature  thought  herself  a  real  Christian. 

Agnes  possessed  many  personal  attractions  —  a  grace- 
ful form,  a  clear  olive  skin,  where  the  tints  of  the  peach 
gave  brightness  to  the  dreamy  dark  eyes,  a  profusion  of 
silky  hair,  dark  as  the  raven's  wing,  and  a  smile  whose 
fascination  captivated  all  hearts. 

We  find  her,  one  summer  evening,  walking  near  the 
parsonage  grounds  —  the  windows  are  open,  and  it  is  the 
hour  of  evening  prayer.  Margaret  Hastings  is  presid 


160  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

ing  at  the  organ  —  the  rich  voices  within  are  singing  the 
gweet  evening  hymn : 

"  Glory  to  thee,  my  God,  this  night, 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  light: 
Keep  me,  0  keep  me,  King  of  kings, 
Under  thine  own  almighty  wings." 

Agnes  is  impressed  by  the  solemn  music,  as  it  comes 
stealing  through  the  windows,  riveting  her  footsteps  near 
the  large  tree  at  the  gate  of  the  parsonage.  Then 
came  the  tones,  but  not  the  words,  of  the  pastor's 
evening  prayer.  She  is  still  leaning  against  the  tree, 
when  Margaret  and  Warren  come  out  on  the  piazza,  and, 
arm  in  arm,  walk  out  into  the  orchard.  Agnes  walked 
slowly  homeward,  filled  with  the  solemn  thoughts  of  the 
music  at  the  parsonage. 

"  I  wish  that  you  could  have  heard  the  sweet  evening 
hymn  at  the  parsonage,  mamma,"  said  the  young  girl ; 
"it  was  so  heavenly.  I  never  heard  anything  that 
impressed  me  so  much." 

"  They  say  that  Mr.  Hastings  is  one  of  the  evangeli- 
cals, Agnes;  and  that  means  opposed  to  the  views 
of  the  Holy  Catholic  Church." 

"  Then  I  suppose  that  I  saw  the  son  and  daughter ; 
she  is  about  eighteen  —  such  a  lovely  girl,  and  her 
brother  equally  interesting.  I  wish  that  they  would  call 
upon  us,  mamma." 

"  I  dare  say  that  they  will,  Agnes ;  but  I  don't  core 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  161 

for  much  intimacy;  we  don't  think  alike,  and  there 
would  be  no  harmony  in  our  religious  views." 

In  a  few  days,  Mrs.  Hastings  called  upon  her  new 
neighbor.  There  was  much  in  Mrs.  Sherwood  to 
attract — lady-like  manners ;  a  sweet,  sad  countenance, 
rendered  still  more  interesting  by  her  widow's  dress; 
and  evident  refinement  of  taste. 

"  We  have  long  wished  for  a  neighbor  on  the  hill," 
said  the  pastor's  wife ;  "  and  I  hope  that  you  will  not  be 
a  ceremonious  visitor." 

"  I  have  lived  a  very  secluded  life  since  my  husband's 
death,"  was  the  reply,  "seldom  going  out,  except  to 
church ;  but  I  should  be  glad  to  see  your  family  fre 
quently.  Agnes  was  quite  charmed  with  the  peep  that 
she  had  the  other  evening  of  your  son  and  daughter." 

"  If  you  ever  feel  disposed  to  step  in  at  St.  Barnabas', 
you  will  always  find  a  seat  at  No.  10,  in  the  middle  aisle, 
near  the  pulpit." 

Mrs.  Sherwood  smiled  as  she  replied:  "I  would  return 
the  courtesy  by  inviting  you  to  No.  5,  at  St.  Gregory's ; 
but  I  suppose  that  Mrs.  Hastings  would  not  like  her 
family  to  be  seen  among  us  ritualists." 

"  It  is  probable  that  we  may  accept  your  invitation 
occasionally,"  was  the  courteous  reply ;  for  Mrs.  Hast- 
ings was  too  much  of  a  Christian  lady  to  indulge  in  free 
remarks  on  a  visit  to  her  new  neighbor.  A  pleasant 
impression  was  left  upon  the  minds  of  both  ladies  ;  and 
14*  L 


162  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Mrs.  Sherwood  took  an  early  opportunity  to  return  the 
visit. 

Really  pleased  with  all  that  she  saw  at  the  parsonage, 
she  was  especially  impressed  by  the  youthful  sufferer, 
who  lay  so  patiently  on  her  couch,  and  who  received  the 
visitors  with  such  a  sweet,  pleasant  smile. 

"  How  long  have  you  been  confined  to  vvur  couch,  my 
dear?" 

"  Two  years,"  was  the  meek  reply. 

"  I  suppose  that  you  look  forward  to  your  recovery, 
my  dear,  with  great  anxiety  ?  " 

Alice  dropped  her  eyes  as  she  replied :  "  I  have  no 
such  prospect,  Mrs.  Sherwood.  This  is  my  couch  as 
long  as  I  live." 

Tears  suffused  the  eyes  of  both  visitors,  who  could  not 
reply. 

"  I  am  very  happy,  Mrs.  Sherwood.  I  do  not  suffer 
much.  I  am  surrounded  by  loving  friends.  I  can  sew, 
and  read,  and  write,  I  can  help  the  Pastor's  Aid  yet, 
can  teach  a  class  of  little  girls  once  a  week  ;  and  have 
the  hope  of  heaven  at  last,  when  all  is  over.  Then  I  have 
such  a  father!  Do  you  know  my  father,  Mrs.  Sher- 
wood?" continued  the  child,  fixing  her  eloquent  eyes 
upon  the  lady's  face. 

"  I  have  not  the  pleasure,  Alice ;  but  hope  to  know 
him  soon." 

"  I  have  not  told  you  the  half  of  my  blessings  ;  hut 
you  '11  find  them  out  by  coming  to  see  me  often." 


WE8TBBJ)OK.     PARSONAGE.  163 

At  the  close  of  the  visit,  Mrs.  Sherwood  and  Agnes 
both  kissed  the  dear  child ;  and,  from  that  day,  the  lady 
jjent  frequent  offerings  of  love  to  the  invalid ;  sometimes 
a  bunch  of  sweet  flowers,  at  others  a  basket  of  rare 
fruit ;  sometimes  a  little  sum  for  the  Pastor's  Aid,  and 
occasionally  a  lovely  picture  for  ner  r«x>m. 


CHAPTER  xn. 

CHRISTMAS  AT  ST.  BARNABAS'. 

•  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  and  good-will 
towards  men." 


seasons  come  and  go,  with  their  sunshine  and 
their  shadow,  and  through  their  misty  gates  march 
out  the  immortals  :  this  in  the  world  of  nature.  In  the 
kingdom  of  grace,  the  Church,  too,  has  her  seasons  — 
marching  closely  in  the  footsteps  of  her  glorious  Master. 
For  weeks  the  Advent  trumpet  has  been  calling  to 
Christians  to  prepare  their  welcome  for  their  Lord  —  in 
more  exultant  peals,  as  the  Feast  of  the  Nativity  is 
drawing  nigh. 

It  is  now  a  winter  evening  at  the  parsonage.  The 
snow  is  falling  fast  without  ;  and  the  couch  of  the  in- 
valid is  wheeled  into  the  family  parlor. 

"Draw  down  the  curtains,  mamma,"  said  Alice. 
"  Please  raise  me  up  on  high.  I  feel  well  to-night  ; 
and  I  have  yet  so  much  to  do  before  Christmas.  All 
my  little  girls  must  have  a  hood  for  the  cold  weather  ; 
and  I  can  knit  just  as  well  at  night  as  in  the  day- 

time." 

1M 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  165 

The  family  are  gathered  around  the  fireside,  for  there 
is  a  low  grate  sending  out  its  glowing  light  and  heat 

"  Is  n't  this  pleasant,  mamma  ?  "  said  Alice.  "  Man> 
'ma  and  Margaret,  Warren  and  Edward  and  Lucy." 

Just  then,  the  door  opened,  and,  to  the  surprise  of  all 
present,  in  stepped  the  pastor,  in  wrapper  and  slippers, 
evidently  prepared  for  an  evening  at  home.  Alice's 
bright  eyes  sparkled  with  delight,  as  she  said : 

"  And  dear  papa,  too !  I  wish  that  I  could —  "  She 
checked  herself,  and  added :  "  Come  here,  papa  ;  let  me 
kiss  you  on  both  your  dear  cheeks!"  Drawing  him 
down,  she  continued,  "  No  lecture  to-night  ?  Are  we  to 
have  you  all  to  ourselves  ?  Is  n't  that  delightful ! " 

"  No  lecture,  dear,"  replied  papa ;  "and  I  rather  think 
no  visitor  on  such  a  night ;  and  I  am  to  have  a  concert 
here,  at  home." 

Up  jumped  Warren ;  and,  turning  over  the  music 
book,  he  brought  Margaret  to  the  organ. 

"  Let  us  practise  some  of  our  Christmas  hymns,"  said 
Alice.  "  It  is  coming  on  pretty  fast." 

"  What  first  ?  "  said  Margaret,  taking  her  seat  at  the 
instrument. 

" '  God  Rest  Ye,  Merry  Gentlemen,' "  said  Alice ;  and 
all  the  sweet  voices  joined  in  singing  the  several  parts 
of  that  old  hymn. 

"Now,  'Three  Kings  of  Orient,' "  said  Allan. 

"  Now  for  mine,"  said  papa.  "  It  is  a  great  favorite 
among  the  ritualists;  but,  never  mind,  it  is  a  sweet 


j66  WESTBBOOK    PARSONAGE. 

hymn,  and  we  can  enjoy  it  here  in  the  parsonage 
parlor." 

With  full  hearts  and  sweet  expression  the  whole 
compan}  sang  "  Jerusalem  the  Golden,"  Alice  knitting 
busily  all  the  while,  and  the  family  group  wondering 
if  anything  more  lovely  in  human  shape  had  ever 
graced  the  earth.  The  faint  color  was  returning  to 
her  cheek  once  more;  the  eyes  were  soft  and  lustrous 
again ;  a  sweet  look  of  saintly  piety  gave  tenderness  to 
the  beauty  which  had  once  been  so  brilliant ;  the  golden 
hair  lay  parted  on  the  forehead,  descending  in  waving 
curls  around  the  fair  young  face. 

In  the  midst  of  their  enjoyment,  a  ring  came  to  the 
hall -door. 

"  There,  now !  that  is  a  visitor,"  said  Warren.  "  I  fear 
that  our  pleasant  party  will  be  broken  up." 

The  hall -door  opened,  and  the  knocking  of  snow 
from  the  feet  upon  the  entry  carpet  indicated  a  call. 
In  a  minute  or  two,  the  bright,  sunny  faces  of  Mrs. 
Lacey  and  Sarah  peeped  in  at  the  parlor -door,  the 
former  with  a  basket  in  her  hand. 

"  Let  me  take  your  hood  and  cloak,"  said  Mrs.  Hast- 
ings. 

"  I  just  imagined  such  a  family  party,"  said  the  vis- 
itor, "and  I  have  brought  some  splendid  bellflowers  and 
English  walnuts — just  the  thing  for  a  winter  fireside." 

"  Thank  you,  dear  madam,"  said  Warren,  who  had 
by  this  time  changed  his  mind  as  to  the  intrusion. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  167 

Knitting  in  hand,  the  ladies  were  soon  at  home,  and 
the  music  commenced  again. 

At  the  close  of  the  entertainment,  a  very  lively  party 
gathered  around  the  table,  where  they  enjoyed  the  feast 
brought  by  good  Mrs.  Lacey. 

"  Show  Mrs.  Lacey  my  beautiful  present,"  said  Alice  ; 
and  Margaret  led  the  way  into  the  little  room,  lighting 
the  gas.  The  ladies  were  delighted  by  the  sight  of  a 
melodeon  that  stood  against  the  wall,  and  a  picture  of 
Christmas-eve  that  hung  above  it. 

"  That  is  the  gift  of  Mrs.  Sherwood,  our  new  neigh- 
bor," said  Mrs.  Hastings.  "  She  seems  to  have  taken  a 
great  interest  in  Alice,  and  there  is  scarcely  a  day  that 
she  does  not  send  something." 

"  What  a  pity  that  she  is  such  a  ritualist !  "  said  Mrs. 
Lacey.  "  I  hear  that  she  even  goes  to  secret  confession 
to  Mr.  Moncrief." 

"  We  must  not  believe  all  that  we  hear,  Mrs.  Lacey ; 
though,  according  to  her  own  account,  she  is  a  devoted 
ritualist." 

"Is  not  that  a  lovely  picture?"  said  the  child,  as 
they  returned  to  the  parlor.  "  I  tell  papa  that  I  must 
have  a  party  too  on  Christmas-eve." 

"  But  you  know,  dear,  that  we  don't  have  parties  at 
the  parsonage,"  replied  the  father ;  "  for  we  can  make 
no  distinctions  among  the  people." 

"  But  I  know  that  you  will  let  me  have  such  a  one  as 
I  want,  papa,  where  the  Saviour  himself  would  come, 


168  WE8TBKOOK     PARSONAGE. 

if  he  were  on  earth.  Let  me  read  you  some  of  my 
passages ; "  and  taking  her  little  Testament  from  behind 
the  pillow,  she  read : 

" '  When  thou  makest  a  dinner  or  a  supper,  call  not 
thy  friends,  nor  thy  brethren,  neither  thy  kinsmen,  nor 
thy  rich  neighbors ;  lest  they  also  bid  thee  again,  and  a 
recompense  be  made  thee. 

" '  But  when  thou  makest  a  feast,  call  the  poor,  the 
maimed,  the  lame,  the  blind; 

"'And  thou  shalt  be  blessed;  for  they  cannot  recom- 
pense thee ;  for  thou  shalt  be  recompensed  at  the  resur- 
rection of  the  just.' 

"  Now  I  have  been  thinking  of  just  such  a  party,  and 
have  hit  upon  a  plan." 

"  Let  us  hear  it,  Alice,"  said  Mrs.  Lacey ;  "  perhaps 
I  can  help  you." 

"  I  can  find  plenty  of  guests,"  said  Alice,  "  among 
the  poor  communicants.  There  is  old  Aunty  Miller, 
who  is  nearly  blind ;  and  there  is  Robert  Jordan,  who 
is  lame  and  sick ;  and  Matty  Hoskins,  so  long  a  crip- 
ple ;  Jenny  Thompson,  poor  and  old ;  Daniel  Homer, 
paralyzed ;  Letty  Fenton  and  her  grand-daughter,  and 
my  six  little  scholars :  fourteen  in  all." 

"  How  in  the  world  are  you  to  provide  for  so  many, 
Alice  ?"  inquired  the  father. 

"  I  know,"  smiling.  "  I  shall  write  to  Mrs.  Sher- 
wood, and  the  Arnolds,  to  Miss  White,  and  Miss  Van 
Zandt.  I  know  Mrs.  Lacey  will  help  me ;  and  so  will 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  169 

Father  Morgan,  who  will  be  glad  to  come  to  my 
party." 

"  It  is  a  bright  thought,  my  dear,"  said  Mrs.  Lacey, 
"  and  you  may  depend  upon  me  for  help." 

Papa  gave  his  consent,  and  the  pleasant  evening 
closed  with  a  few  words  of  prayer. 

Mrs.  Hastings  went  to  the  door  with  her  visitors.  It 
was  snowing  and  drifting  now  with  great  violence. 

"  This  is  making  work  for  us,  Mr.  Hastings,"  said  the 
benevolent  lady,  "  for  such  storms  always  bring  suffer- 
ing ;  so  to-morrow  I  must  on  with  my  water-proof  and 
over-shoes,  and  be  off  early  to  my  district.  Good  night : 
God  bless  you  all." 

For  the  next  four  weeks,  Alice  was  a  busy,  happy 
little  creature.  The  ladies  all  sent  their  contributions, 
so  that  each  guest  should  carry  away  something ;  then  it 
was  Alice  Hastings'  Christmas  party,  and  all  the  people 
of  St.  Barnabas'  were  ready  at  any  time  to  give  her 
pleasure. 

Christmas-eve  is  here.  The  two  rooms  adjoining  are 
richly  dressed  with  evergreens,  which  the  sexton  has 
brought  in  from  the  woods,  and  helped  the  young  people 
to  arrange.  There  are  spicy  cedar,  shining  laurel,  holly, 
and  ivy,  with  bright  scarlet  haws,  and  lovely  flowers, 
sent  by  ladies  from  their  conservatories,  for  dear  Alice 
Hastings.  The  sweet  child  is  dressed  for  the  occasion 
in  a  warm,  blue  merino.  {Something  of  the  former 

brightness  rests  upon  her  face.     By  the  side  of  her  couch 
16 


170  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

stands  the  table,  on  which  are  spread  out  her  gifts  for  the 
guests.  Early  in  the  evening,  the  hall-bell  commenced 
ringing,  and  Warren  handed  in  the  guests.  "  Happy 
Christmas ! "  said  Alice  to  each  newcomer ;  but  it  was 
with  some  sadness  in  the  tones  that  the  visitors  echoed 
the  wish  to  the  young  creature,  stricken  down  so  early 
in  her  bright  existence.  When  all  had  assembled,  Mar- 
garet took  her  seat  at  the  organ,  and  the  whole  party 
sang  the  old  Christmas  hymn : 

"  While  shepherds  watched  their  flocks  by  night." 

Then  they  were  invited  out  to  the  dining-room,  whither 
Alice  was  conveyed  too,  enjoying  the  sight  of  the  good 
supper  spread  out  upon  the  table  by  the  bounty  of  the 
good  ladies  of  St.  Barnabas'.  There  were  turkey,  and 
cranberry-sauce,  and  ham,  mashed  potatoes  and  other 
nice  vegetables,  with  mince-pies  and  plum-pudding  in 
abundance.  Alice,  perhaps,  was  the  happiest  of  the 
whole  party,  for  her  own  hands  had  done  so  much  in 
spreading  the  board.  After  supper,  back  again  to  her 
own  room,  where,  reclining  upon  her  couch,  her  own  fair 
hands  distributed  the  hoods,  and  handkerchiefs,  and 
wurm  stockings,  with  a  bag  of  bonbons  and  a  Christmas 
book  to  each  little  girl.  Then  papa  came  in,  and  talked 
so  happily  to  the  people  about  the  blessed  Saviour, 
whose  advent  they  were  so  soon  to  celebrate.  Then 
several  more  sweet  hymns  and  a  prayer :  then  the  guests 
came  forward  to  take  leave  of  the  young  girl. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  171 

"  God  bless  you,  Miss  Alice !  "  said  Aunty  Miller,  who 
was  nearly  blind. 

"  He  does,  Aunty,  for  I  am  very  happy,"  was  the  low 
reply. 

Then  old  Robert  limped  up  to  the  couch,  and  said, 
"  I  shall  remember  you,  Miss  Alice,  in  the  cold,  winter 
days,  when  I  wear  this  good,  warm  muffler." 

"  And  I  shall  remember  you,  Robert,  when  I  see  the 
snow-storms,  and  shall  be  so  happy." 

Then  each  advanced  one  by  one,  to  give  and  receive  a 
parting  blessing. 

It  were  hard  to  say  which  pillow  was  most  visited  by 
happy  thoughts  that  night ;  but  it  does  seem  as  if  Alice 
Hastings  must  have  felt  communion  with  the  Christmas 
angels,  as  she  looked  out  upon  the  silver  moon,  sailing 
through  the  clouds,  with  the  peculiar  brightness  of  the 
sharp  winter  atmosphere. 

By  early  dawn,  the  Christmas  chimes  were  ringing  the 
joy-bells  for  the  Feast  of  the  Nativity,  and  as  Alice  lay 
awake,  listening  to  their  music,  she  called  her  sister. 
"  Margaret,  Margaret,  wake  up !  Don't  you  hear  sing, 
ing  outside  of  the  window?" 

Margaret  sprang  suddenly  from  her  bed,  and  there, 
out  in  the  moonlight,  stood  a  company  of  children, 
trained  by  the  teachers  of  the  Sunday  school,  and  mar- 
shalled by  Dr.  Arnold.  They  sang  several  Christmas 
carols,  after  the  fashion  of  old  times,  the  children  giving 
the  choruses  in  grand  style. 


172  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

AH  were  astir  early  in  the  morning,  calling  out  from 
room  to  room  the  sweet  salutation  of  "  Happy  Christ- 
mas ! "  After  breakfast  the  family  assembled  for  morn- 
ing worship. 

"  Now,  children,  for  the  Christmas  texts,"  said  papa. 
"  What  idea  should  be  most  prominent  at  this  season,  in 
connection  with  our  Lord  ?  " 

"  That  of  his  coming  as  our  Saviour,  papa,"  said  Mar- 
garet, "  and  this  is  my  text :  '  And  thou  shalt  call  his 
name  Jesus:  for  he  shall  save  his  people  from  theii 
sins.'" 

"  What  have  you,  Alice  ?  " 

"  '  For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city  of  David, 
a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord.' " 

"  And  yours,  Warren  ?  " 

" '  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among 
us.'" 

"What  have  you,  Allan?" 

" '  God  was  manifest  in  the  flesh,  justified  in  the  Spirit, 
seen  of  angels,  preached  unto  the  Gentiles,  believed  on 
in  the  world,  received  up  into  glory.'  " 

"And  what  have  you,  Edward?" 

"  Just  the  same  as  sister  Margaret,"  was  the  reply. 

"  And  so  have  I,"  said  Lucy. 

"I  perceive,  dear  children,"  said  the  pastor,  "that 
your  thoughts  have  all  taken  the  same  direction  in 
searching  for  passages  proclaiming  the  Lord  Jesus  as 
our  Saviour.  If  the^,  were  but  one,  it  would  be  suffi- 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  173 

cient  for  the  heart  of  faith  to  rest  upon.  Let  us  never 
forget  that  '  He  came  to  seek  and  save  that  which  was 
lost;'  and  let  us  be  very  certain  that  he  has  really 
saved  us." 

After  worship,  the  family  met  in  the  parlor  to  ex- 
change their  gifts  of  love,  and  at  the  usual  hour  assem- 
bled at  church  to  celebrate  the  grand  event  in  the 
history  of  Christianity.  Dressed,  according  to  the  good 
old  custom,  in  bright  Christmas  greens,  everything  wore 
a  look  of  cheerful  gratitude. 

The  joy-bells,  the  music,  the  prayers,  the  sermon  were 
all  full  of  tiie  one  grand  theme  of  the  Incarnation,  and 
the  blessings  connected  with  that  wondrous  advent. 
While  this  religious  celebration  lasts,  the  world  can 
never  lose  its  hold  of  this  starting-point  in  the  history 
of  its  Redeemer.  For  more  than  eighteen  hundred 
years  the  feast  has  been  observed  all  over  Christendom, 
and  will  probably  roll  on  until  that  glorious  day  which 
ushers  in  the  Second  Advent  of  our  Lord,  amid  the 
pomp  and  splendor  of  that  day  of  triumph  —  the  long 
expectation  of  the  Christian  Church  all  fulfilled. 

On  their  return  home,  many  gifts  were  found  for  the 
pastor's  family,  all  more  or  less  valuable,  but  all  free- 
will offerings  of  love  to  the  dear  household,  among  which 
was  a  package  for  Margaret  from  Dr.  Arnold. 

"  Why  don't  you  open  it,  sister  ?  "  said  Warren,  with 
a  look  of  mischief  on  his  face. 
15* 


174  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Margaret  blushed  as  she  replied :  "  I  will  directly, 
brother." 

Taking  it  to  another  part  of  the  room,  she  found  that 
it  contained  a  beautiful  copy  of  Longfellow's  Poems, 
accompanied  by  a  note,  which  she  did  not  read  now,  but 
hastily  put  it  into  her  pocket  for  a  more  quiet  corner. 

In  the  afternoon,  the  mothers'  meeting  assembled  at 
the  church,  where  the  ladies  distributed  winter  com- 
forts among  the  grateful  women. 

Thus  ended  a  happy  Christmas-day  at  St.  Barnabas', 
leaving  behind  it  a  warmer  love  to  the  Redeemer,  more 
earnest  longing  for  his  blessed  Second  Advent 


CHAPTER  Xlil. 

A  SPIRITUAL   HARVEST. 

•And  the   Lord    added   to   the   Church   daily   such   as   should   b« 
tared." 

"OLESSED  St.  Barnabas'!  standing  as  it  were  be- 
-•-'  tween  earth  and  heaven  with  its  messages  of  peace 
and  love,  its  earnest  ministry,  its  praying  people,  its 
spreading  arms  of  benevolence,  embracing  all  classes  of 
human  misery  and  guilt.  Blessed  sanctuary !  where  the 
dews  of  Heaven  were  constantly  descending ;  for  the 
Holy  Spirit  seemed  ever  to  dwell  more  or  less  with  this 
favored  people.  To  cross  its  threshold  was  to  take  leave 
of  earth,  and  stand  almost  in  the  vestibule  of  heaven. 

This  may  seem  an  exaggerated  description  of  a  church 
militant,  but  it  had  its  counterpart  once  in  the  recollec- 
tion of  some,  in  declining  years  now,  who  sat  beneath  just 
such  a  blessed,  holy  ministry.  They  will  recognize  the 
picture  as  they  peruse  these  pages ;  for  it  is  ever  in  the 
memory  of  one  who  now  writes  the  history  of  St.  Bar- 
nabas' and  its  sainted  rector. 

The  ministry  of  Dr.  Hastings  was  eminently  one  of 
prayer.  Ever  near  the  mercy-seat  himself,  he  taught 


176  WESTBBOOK     PARSONAGE. 

his  people  the  true  source  of  spiritual  prosperity.  Real- 
izing the  truth  of  such  teachings,  they  loved  to  pray. 

But  he  was  a  wise,  judicious  guide.  Conscious  that 
the  praying  members  of  a  church  are  held  up  before  the 
people  as  examp'es,  bo  was  careful  to  select  the  most 
intelligent  and  devotedly  pious  among  the  young  men 
of  St.  Barnabas' ;  and  these  he  trained.  Chiefly  candi- 
dates for  the  sacred  ministry,  they  were  supposed  to  be 
more  fitted  than  others,  whose  lives  were  more  in  the 
world,  for  these  public  services. 

There  was  a  company  of  twelve  or  fifteen  who  con- 
ducted the  Saturday  night  prayer-meeting,  and  who 
took  turns  in  providing  the  conductors  for  a  month  at  a 
time.  They  were  notified  of  the  same,  and,  it  was  pre- 
sumed, made  some  preparation  before  the  hour  of 
prayer ;  consequently,  there  was  no  hurried  approach  to 
the  mercy-seat  —  no  crude  words  of  mere  repetition, 
often  so  irreverent  in  extempore  prayer.  The  music, 
too,  was  in  charge  of  the  same  committee,  and  the  lan- 
guage of  our  beautiful  service,  so  eminently  spiritual 
and  reverent,  might  always  be  felt  mingling,  subduing, 
elevating,  in  all  these  more  social  services.  These  meet' 
ings  were  held  sometimes  after  the  Friday  night  lecture ; 
at  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  during  the  season  of 
Lent ;  on  especial  fast-days  appointed  by  the  rector ;  and 
sometimes  on  Sunday  afternoon,  after  service. 

Dr.  Hastings  was  not  always  present  himself  at  these 
meetings,  but  kept  a  constant  oversight,  and  was  very 


WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE.  177 

careful  quietly  to  put  aside  any  whose  lives  did  not 
accord  with  their  high  profession.  If  there  were  such 
cases,  a  private  note,  with  a  few  passages  of  Scripture, 
came  first,  as  a  gentle  admonition ;  and,  where  discipline 
was  necessary,  no  public  exhibition  was  ever  dreamed 
of  at  St.  Barnabas'.  The  sad  erasure  from  the  list  of 
communicants  was  all  that  was  known  of  any  who  dis- 
graced their  profession  by  unholy  lives. 

It  was  always  esteemed  a  great  privilege,  when  the 
state  of  his  health  permitted  the  rector  to  be  present  at 
the  prayer-meetings,  especially  on  Saturday  evenings ; 
and  if  only  coming  in  with  a  slow  and  solemn  step,  after 
the  services  had  commenced,  every  heart  felt  the  pre- 
ciousness  of  the  few  impressive  words  of  exhortation 
that  fell  from  his  lips ;  or,  at  other  times,  seated  at  the 
reading-desk  of  the  lecture-room,  with  closed  eyes  and 
heavenly  aspect,  in  sweet,  low  tones,  he  would  com- 
mence 

"  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  dove," 

in  which  all  would  join,  with  earnest  devotion  in  the 
time-honored  hymn. 

There  were  signs  about  the  pastor  now  that  often 
caused  a  sigh,  as,  with  measured  steps,  he  entered  the 
house  of  prayer.  Many  remembered,  in  the  years  past, 
with  what  a  buoyant  tread  he  had  gone  in  and  out 
among  his  beloved  people ;  but  the  feebleness  had  come 
so  gradually  that  it  had  not  hitherto  alarmed  his  flock. 
Still  he  labored  "  in  season  and  out  of  season,"  from 


178  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

house  to  house,  as  well  as  in  the  sanctuary,  for  the  gooO 
of  souls. 

Dr.  Hastings  was  not  a  brilliant  preacher,  but  he 
was  eminently  clear,  earnest,  impressive.  There  was 
solemnity  in  his  calm,  holy  countenance,  music  in  his 
rich  tones,  and  that  in  his  whole  aspect  which  declared 
the  fact  that,  as  an  ambassador  for  Christ,  "he -warned 
every  man,  and  taught  every  man  in  all  wisdom."  He 
was  never  known  to  preach  a  sermon  once  upon 
ministerial  superiority,  or  in  any  way  to  arrogate  to 
himself  a  priestly  distance  between  himself  and  his 
flock. 

Dr.  Hastings  loved  the  souls  of  his  people,  and  they 
loved  their  honored  pastor.  He  lived  in  their  midst 
the  Christ-life,  in  all  its  saintly  purity ;  and  they  vene- 
rated the  representative  for  their  Master's  sake.  In  the 
abodes  of  the  rich,  or  the  cottages  of  the  poor,  love  was 
the  magnet  which  drew  all  hearts ;  and  it  would  be  hard 
to  find  a  pastor  of  so  few  words,  who  wielded  among  his 
people  such  unbounded  influence. 

He  was  a  burning  and  a  shining  light ;  a  loving, 
faithful,  diligent  pastor,  with  sound  common  sense,  so 
necessary  in  these  degenerate  days  of  tinselled  Christi- 
anity. The  one  solemn  word  eternity,  uttered  in  his  own 
impressive  manner,  or  the  two,  repent,  believe,  did  infi- 
nitely more  good  than  all  the  traditions  of  men,  masked 
Episcopacy,  or  in  other  words,  the  foppish  ritualism  of 
i.'odem  days. 


WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE.  179 

There  v.ere  many  blessed  seasons  of  ingathering  at 
St.  Barnabas',  and  we  are  about  to  record  one  such 
rich  spiritual  harvest. 

Dr.  Hastings  has  become  familiar  with  the  stately 
steppings  of  the  witness  for  his  Lord  and  Master,  as  he 
draws  near  the  flock,  and  frequently,  after  Friday  even- 
ing lecture,  invites  any  to  meet  their  pastor  in  the  ves- 
try-room, who  are  anxious  about  the  things  that  make 
for  their  everlasting  peace. 

On  such  occasions  he  was  peculiarly  happy  in  his 
choice  of  subjects,  and  always  selected  passages  that 
were  awakening,  close,  practical. 

At  this  peculiar  season,  he  delivered  a  course  on  the 
text :  "  I  have  a  message  from  God  unto  thee ;  "  divid- 
ing his  hearers  into  classes,  which  he  addressed  sepa- 
rately —  the  serious  countenances  and  the  whispered 
words,  as  the  silent  company  passed  out  of  the  lecture- 
room,  gave  evidence  that  the  word  had  fallen  upon  good 
ground,  ready  for  the  Gospel  seed. 

Then  came  another  course,  from  the  words  :  "  Is  it 
well  with  thee?"  which  produced  powerful  impressions 
upon  many  hearts,  especially  the  young. 

A  course  of  Sunday  evening  sermons  were  delivered 
at  this  time  from  the  passage:  "Run,  speak  to  this 
young  man  ;  "  and  many  a  careless  spirit  was  arrested 
in  its  worldliness  by  these  awakening  sermons. 

In  the  midst  of  this  season  of  revival,  there  came  a 
notice  of  the  Bishop's  visitation,  when  he  proposed  to 


180  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

hold  a  confirmation  at  St.  Barnabas'.  Margaret  and 
Allan  Hastings  are  among  the  company  who  gather 
with  the  praying  band  in  the  vestry-room  after  evening 
lecture.  The  sister  saw  the  lingering,  hesitating  step  of 
her  brother ;  and  although  she  was  herself  a  professing 
Christian,  she  felt  that  her  encouragement  might  have 
much  to  do  with  Allan's  decision,  and  so  she  whispered : 
"  Come,  Allan,  I  will  go  with  you ;  papa  will  be  so 
glad." 

The  father  glanced  toward  his  son  with  a  look  of 
tender  interest,  and  in  the  few  words  addressed  to  the 
company  gathered  around  him,  his  remarks  were  espe- 
cially directed  to  cases  like  his ;  for  he  knew  the  char- 
acter of  his  boy. 

Next  day,  we  find  him  knocking  at  the  door  of  his 
father's  study. 

"  Come  in,"  said  the  pastor's  voice,  for  he  imagined 
who  was  there. 

"  Sit  down,  Allan,  close  by  my  side,  and  tell  me  all 
that  you  have  to  say,"  said  the  father. 

"  It  seems  so  little,  papa  —  it  is  just  to  say  that  the 
notice  on  Sunday  seemed  addressed  to  me.  And  ever 
since,  the  words  of  your  sermon  have  followed  me  all 
the  week :  '  The  Master  is  come,  and  calleth  for  thee  : ' 
I  am  ready,  papa ;  can  I  come  ?  " 

"  A  very  few  questions  will  decide,  Allan.  You  have 
been  carefully  taught  the  theory  of  the  Gospel  plan, 
have  you  any  of  its  experience?  " 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  181 

"  I  know  that  I  am  by  nature  a  sinner,  papa ;  I  feel 
that  very  often :  I  know  that  I  need  a  Saviour,  and  I 
believe  that  I  have  taken  him  for  my  own.  I  have 
heard  so  constantly  about  our  dear  Lord,  that  sometimes 
I  am  afraid  that  mere  habit  may  influence  me ;  but  then 
I  know  that  I  want  to  give  my  whole  heart  to  Him, 
who  gave  His  life  for  me:  may  I  come?" 

The  father  laid  his  hand  upon  Allan's  head  in  bless- 
;ng,  as  he  knelt  by  his  side,  saying  :  "  Let  us  pray." 

And  there,  in  this  silent  study,  he  poured  out  a  full 
heart  before  God,  his  Father,  for  a  blessing  on  his  dar- 
ling son. 

They  rose  from  their  knees.  The  father  passed  his 
arm  around  Allan's  waist,  and  pressing  a  warm  kiss 
upon  the  downy  cheek,  said : 

"Not  only  my  dear  son,  but  a  brother  now,  a  bro- 
ther in  the  Lord.  May  your  path  be  that  of  the  shining 
light,  Allan!" 

Alice  has  heard  of  the  Bishop's  visitation,  and  of 
Allan's  decision,  and  has  sent  for  papa  to  come  to  her 
couch 

"Will  you  leave  us  alone,  Margaret?"  said  the  in- 
valid, as  the  door  opened,  admitting  her  father. 

"  Come,  sit  down  close  by  my  side,  dear  papa,"  said 
the  child ;  "  for  I  have  much  to  say  to  you.  Margaret 
has  told  me  about  Allan,  and  I  am  so  glad.  I  wish 
that  I  might  be  one  of  that  company,  papa.  Am  I  too 

young  to  own  that  I  love  the  Lord  ?" 
16 


1 82  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  Not  too  young  to  be  a  Christian,  Alice.  If  you 
hare  truly  repented  of  your  sins,  and  believe  with  your 
whole  heart  in  the  Lord  Jesus ;  if  you  have  truly 
renounced  the  service  of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
devil,  and,  by  God's  help,  intend  to  lead  a  new  life, 
come,  renew  your  baptismal  vow,  and  give  yourself 
openly  away  to  the  Saviour,  who  died  for  you." 

"  I  think  that  I  can  say  '  Yes '  to  every  one  of  those 
conditions,  papa.  One  thing  I  am  sure  of,  and  that  is, 
that  I  truly  love  the  precious  Saviour,  and  want  to  be 
His  forevenand  ever ;  but  there  are  many  things  I  don't 
understand  yet ;  many  things  that  seem  to  mark  the  old 
Christians  of  the  New  Testament,  that  I  don't  know 
anything  about." 

The  pastor  smiled,  as  he  replied : 

"  Remember,  my  love,  that  you  are  not  one  of  the  old 
Christians  of  the  New  Testament,  only  a  babe  in 
Christ.  First,  then,  you  must  lisp  the  words,  and  totter 
with  the  feeble  steps  of  infancy ;  then  with  the  stronger 
gait  of  youth,  then  with  the  firm  tread  of  a  mature  and 
steadfast  Christian.  God  knows  our  feeble  frame,  Alice, 
and  does  not  look  for  the  fruits  of  ripened  faith  in  the 
mere  babe  in  Christ." 

"  All  that  I  want  to  know  then,  papa,  is,  am  I  really 
a  babe  in  Christ?" 

"Yes,  Alice;  if  you  have  a  child's  faith,  a  child's 
love,  a  child's  obedience,  then  you  are  a  Christian 
child." 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  183 

"  Then  I  may  come,  papa,  and  own  my  dear  Saviour 
before  the  world?" 

"  Come,  and  welcome,  my  child.  Jesus  is  ready  to 
receive  just  such  as  you." 

"  If  we  could  only  see  dear  Warren  among  the  candi- 
dates, papa,  how  happy  we  should  be  !" 

"  Yes,  Alice ;  but  God  has  different  ways  by  which  to 
bring  to  himself  the  souls  that  Jesus  has  redeemed.  We 
must  pray  and  trust,  my  love ;  and  now  let  us  seek  our 
Father's  face." 

Alice  closed  her  eyes  and  folded  her  hands  so  meekly, 
while  the  pastor  poured  out  his  heart  in  lively  gratitude 
for  the  spiritual  mercies  thus  far  bestowed  upon  his 
household,  and  in  earnest  prayer  for  those  who  still 
stood  aloof  from  the  Saviour. 

The  day  of  confirmation  has  arrived;  and  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  sacred  Sabbath,  a  solemn  crowd  have 
assembled  at  St.  Barnabas'.  The  aged  Bishop,  with  his 
silver  hair,  his  saintly  face  glowing  with  benevolence, 
and  the  tottering  steps  of  age,  is  seated  in  the  chair, 
looking  at  the  large  company  of  candidates  who  are 
seated  in  the  front  pews.  It  is  a  solemn,  impressive 
scene,  for  all  ages  are  represented  in  that  group :  old 
age,  middle  life,  and  fresh,  ardent  youth  are  there. 
There  are  about  fifty  ready  to  consecrate  their  all  to 
Jesus;  for  there  are  none  there  who  imagine  that  to 
know  the  Creed,  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Ten  Com- 


184  WEST  BROOK    PARSONAGE. 

mandments,  by  itself,  entitles  them  to  the  name  of 
Christian. 

Every  heart  is  touched  at  the  sight  of  Alice  Hastings, 
drawn  up  the  aisle  by  her  brother  Warren  near  the 
chancel.  She  is  dressed  in  pure  white,  and  a  holy  ex- 
pression of  saintly  devotion  rests  upon  her  lovely  coun- 
tenance. Warren  is  just  about  to  turn  away,  to  take 
his  seat  among  the  worshippers,  when  Alice  whispered  : 

"  Will  ye  also  go  away,  Warren  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  ready,  Alice." 

The  boy  entered  the  pew,  and  it  was  with  a  serious 
face  that  he  listened  to  the  solemn  sermon  from  the  good 
old  Bishop,  who  was  his  father's  uncle.  Then  came  the 
singing  of  two  verses  from  the  hymn,  sacred  in  the 
memory  of  thousands : 

"  0  happy  day,  that  stays  my  choice 

On  thee,  my  Saviour,  and  my  Qod: 
Well  may  this  glowing  heart  rejoice 
And  tell  thy  goodness  all  abroad." 

While  these  words  were  sung,  the  candidates  slowly 
and  solemnly  approached  the  chancel,  and  then  the  con- 
firmation service  proceeded,  with  its  simple,  impressive 
language,  its  earnest,  fervent  prayer.  When  the 
Bishop  stepped  down  the  aisle  to  lay  his  hands  upon 
the  sweet  invalid  in  the  carriage,  many  voices  joined 
audibly  in  the  fervent  Amen  uttered  by  the  pastor  and 
Father  Morgan,  who  was  present  on  this  occasion. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  185 

After  all  were  confirmed,  then  came  the  loving  worda 
of  the  faithful  pastor,  reminding  them  what  a  solemn 
vow  they  had  just  made  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God.  Nearly  all  were  his  own  spiritual  children,  and 
as  he  spoke  to  them  of  the  trials  and  temptations  that 
would  beset  them  on  their  journey  to  the  heavenly  city, 
he  commended  them  to  the  warm  love  and  sympathy  of 
their  fellow-Christians,  who  had  travelled  in  the  pil- 
grim's road  for  so  many  years  before  them ;  but  most  of 
all  did  he  point  them  to  the  guidance,  the  love,  and  the 
example  of  their  blessed  Saviour. 

Then,  at  the  close  of  the  services,  while  the  last  verses 
of  the  sweet  hymn  were  sung,  with  solemn  step  the  can- 
didates returned  to  their  pews. 

The  Methodist  and  Presbyterian  ministers  were  pres- 
ent, for  they  highly  esteemed  the  good  rector  of  St.  Bar- 
nabas', and  as  they  passed  out,  stopped  by  the  side  of 
the  carriage,  to  give  their  blessing  and  the  hand  of 
Christian  fellowship  to  the  young  disciple.  Mrs.  Sher- 
wood and  Agnes,  too,  were  there,  deeply  impressed  by 
the  solemn  service  that,  at  St.  Barnabas',  meant  so  much. 

Warren,  too,  has  had  many  serious  thoughts  through- 
out this  holy  day ;  but  the  proud  heart  is  not  ready  to 
submit  to  the  reign  of  the  Lord  Jesus  yet.  The  sight  of 
his  sainlly  sister  deeply  affected  him:  "But  then,"  he 
argued,  "  Alice  has  nothing  else.  The  bright  world  of 
fame  is  before  me,  and  beckons  me  forward.  I  dare  say 

that  I  shall  become  a  Christian  some  day,  but  not  yet* 
16* 


186  WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE. 

Edward  and  Lucy  had  their  own  artless  talk,  when 
they  were  alone.  "  Did  n't  Alice  look  holy,  Edward," 
said  Lucy,  "  when  the  Bishop  laid  his  hands  upon  her 
head  ?  I  am  sure  that  she  is  one  of  Jesus'  lambs.  When 
I  am  a  little  older,  I  '11  ask  papa  if  I  may  not  be  con- 
armed." 

"  I  wonder  why  Warren  was  not  among  them,"  said 
Edward.  "  I  suppose  that  he 's  too  proud  to  own  that  he 
is  a  sinner,  before  all  the  people." 

"  I  hope  that  he  will  be  a  good  Christian  yet,  Ed- 
ward, for  it  would  be  a  dreadful  thing  for  any  at  West- 
brook  Parsonage  not  to  be  a  servant  of  the  Lord." 

The  good  Bishop  remained  until  next  day,  and,  assem- 
bled in  the  parlor,  he  addressed  words  full  of  holy  unc- 
tion to  the  new  candidates  at  the  parsonage ;  for  there 
were  four  in  that  household —  Debby  and  Jane  belonging 
to  the  company. 

Warren  remembered  the  words  of  Alice,  and  lay  long 
awake,  thinking  of  the  tender  expostulation,  and  won- 
dering if  it  were  possible  that  there  might  be  eternal 
separation  in  the  world  to  come — not  from  Jesus,  for  he 
had  not  learned  to  love  him — but  from  the  dear,  pre- 
cious ones  at  home. 

Very  carefully  were  the  new  disciples  instructed  in 
their  duty,  and  posts  of  usefulness  assigned  to  each,  ac- 
cording to  their  ability.  There  were  no  isolated  Chris- 
tians at  St.  Barnabas',  but  at  once  they  were  brought 
acquainted  with  each  other,  and  a  few  private  words  from 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  187 

tht  j^istor  directed  especial  care  over  some  particular 
case,  in  need  of  sympathy  and  encouragement.  Truly  it 
was  a  band  dwelling  together  in  unity,  and  very  sweet 
and  comforting  were  the  pastor's  remarks,  at  the  familiar 
lecture,  on  the  week  following,  from  the  words :  "  I  have 
nu  greater  joy  than  to  hear  that  my  children  walk  in 
the  truth."  Comfort,  guidance,  encouragement  were  in 
the  precious  message.  Inspired  by  these  heavenly  teach- 
ings, Christian  love  was  here  in  its  highest  exercise ;  and 
here  it  might  be  sung  from  full  hearts  — 

"  Blest  is  the  tie  that  binds 

Our  hearts  in  Christian  love ; 
The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 

Is  like  to  that  above. 
Before  our  Father's  throne 

We  pour  united  prayers; 
Our  fears,  our  hopes,  our  aims  are  one, 

Our  comforts  and  our  cares." 

Then  followed  a  course  of  rich  instruction  from  the 
words:  "  Speak  to  the  children  of  Israel  that  they  go  for- 
ward." Here  it  was  that  a  broad  line  of  distinction  was 
drawn  between  the  children  of  the  world  and  the  chil- 
dren of  God  ;  and  though  the  spirit  of  true  benevolence 
was  inculcated  toward  all  men,  none  thought  of  joining 
hands  with  the  world  of  the  ungodly,  for  higher,  holier 
joys  were  to  be  found  on  this  mount  of  privilege  ;  and 
the  favored  members  of  St.  Barnabas'  could  at  all  times 
answer  to  the  seductions  of  the  world,  "  I  have  a  great 
work  to  do,  therefore  I  cannot  come  down." 


188  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Unbounded  was  the  influence  of  the  meek  and  lowlj 
pastor  of  St.  Barnabas'.  The  vigor  of  youth  had  passed 
away,  but  the  ripened  graces  of  the  Spirit  spread  a  halo 
of  peace  over  the  saintly  face,  and  imparted  a  depth  of 
tone  to  the  musical  voice  of  Dr.  Hastings.  In  every  de- 
partment his  influence  was  felt ;  in  the  field  of  benevo- 
lence, where  the  people  were  always  'ready  to  respond  to 
his  calls,  in  the  field  of  activity,  where  a  hive  of  busy 
workers  were  always  at  work.  Mr.  Moncrief  wondered 
how  it  was,  for  he  knew  much  of  the  power  of  St.  Bar- 
nabas'. 

"  Here,"  said  he,  "  am  I  preaching  and  teaching, 
making  everything  attractive,  holding  up  the  divine 
power  of  the  ministry,  teaching  the  difference  between 
priest  and  people,  showing  that  disobedience  to  us  is 
disloyalty  to  God,  and  what  do  I  see? — just  a  few  dis- 
posed to  work,  but  no  heart  is  in  their  services ;  when 
here  is  this  feeble  man,  with  his  faltering  step,  his  pal- 
lid face,  his  failing  health,  wielding  a  power  second  to 
none.  He  wants  means  to  carry  out  some  grand  scheme 
of  benevolence — he  speaks  a  few  plain,  practical  words, 
and  at  once  the  people  respond  by  thousands ;  he  wants 
workers,  and  at  once  come  forward  a  willing  band. 
How  is  it  ?  For  he  is  one  of  the  humblest  and  most  un- 
pretending of  men." 

Here  is  the  great  secret  Study  it,  Rector  of  St. 
Gregory's,  and  all  others  of  like  spirit. 

Dr.   Hastings    keeps    himself   in    the   background, 


WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE.  189 

comes  with  no  priestly  arrogance,  no  high  and  lofty 
claims;  but,  holding  forth  his  Master's  claims,  present- 
ing his  Master's  image,  preaching  his  Master's  Gospel, 
he  is  beloved  for  the  Master's  sake,  and  *,hus  he  wields 
a  power  all  unsougm,  lor  tne  peupic  of  St.  Barnabas 
have  "learned  to  esteem  kim.  highly  in  love  for  AM 
work's  sake." 


UHAPTEB   XIV. 


u  And  a  certain  woman  named  Lydia,  a  seller  of  purple,  of  the  city 
of  Thya;ira,  which  worshipped  God,  heard  us;  whose  heart  the  Lord 
opened,  that  she  attended  to  the  things  which  were  spoken  of  Paul." 

A  LICE  HASTINGS'  disease  has  taken  a  new  form, 
-£*•  for  now  she  is  subject  to  hours  of  extreme  suffer- 
ing, when  spasms  rack  her  delicate  frame. 

At  such  times,  a  darkened  room,  a  quiet  couch,  and 
whispered  words  of  holy  prayer  send  Warren  rushing 
from  the  house,  pacing  up  and  down  the  students' 
walk  at  Little  Rugby,  or  along  the  shady  banks  of  the 
creek.  He  generally  stays  until  the  paroxysm  is  over. 
He  can  scarcely  bear  the  saintly  patience  of  the  gentle 
sufferer,  as  she  presses  his  hand,  on  his  return,  between 
her  own,  and  whispers  : 

"  Better,  Warren.  Jesus  comforts  me.  He  was  with 
me  all  the  time.  What  should  I  do  without  Him  now  ? 
He  sends  nothing  but  what  we  are  able  to  bear.  Come, 
sit  down  by  me  a  little  while,  and  read  me  some  sweet 
hymns." 

Warren  took  his  seat,  and  Alice  pointed  out  what 
she  wanted. 

190 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  191 

It  generally  took  several  days  for  her  to  recover  from 
these  attacks,  and  Warren  was  devoted  in  his  atten- 
tions. 

"  You  may  open  the  shutters  now,  Warren,"  said  the 
sister,  "  and  let  in  the  sweet  fragrance  of  the  flowers." 

The  boy  obeyed,  and  pushing  aside  the  curtain,  Alice 
said  with  a  smile : 

"  These  days  of  suffering  prepare  the  way  for  great 
enjoyment,  Warren ;  for  I  don't  believe  that  any  of 
you  can  know  how  sweet  the  flowers  seem  after  hours 
of  pain." 

"Do  you  think  that  you  can  ride  to-morrow,  Alice?" 
said  the  brother. 

"  I  think  not  to-morrow,  but  next  day,  for  my  back 
is  quite  sore  to-day.  I  have  a  great  deal  to  do  among 
my  friends,  Warren ;  for  it  has  been  some  time  now  since 
I  have  been  among  them.  Father  Morgan  is  so  good, 
and  keeps  me  all  the  time  supplied  with  books,  and 
the  tracts,  and  money." 

In  a  few  days  Alice  is  ready  for  her  ride,  and,  in  her 
soft  white  hood  and  wrapper,  she  looks  almost  like  one 
taking  leave  of  earth,  so  pale,  so  pure,  so  heavenly  is 
the  sweet  face. 

Warren  lifted  the  transparent  little  hand  and  kissed 
it ;  and  drawing  him  down  close,  she  said : 

"  Dear  brother  Warren,  how  good  you  are !  " 

"  Which  way,  Alice  ?  "  said  the  brother. 

"Along  the  border  of  the  creek,  and  then  home  by 


192  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

the  way  of  Aunty  Miller's.  I  have  something  to  give 
her." 

Propped  up  by  pillows,  Alice  lookeNl  around  upon 
the  fair  face  of  nature  with  a  serene  and  holy  joy,  for  it 
was  a  bright,  balmy  day ;  and  her  talk  to  Warren  was 
that  of  a  cheerful  child.  Passing  down  a  small  street 
that  led  to  the  creek,  Alice  was  shocked  by  the  lan- 
guage of  a  man  walking  just  behind  her  carriage. 

"  Tell  him  to  come  here,  Warren,"  said  the  sister. 

"  He  may  abuse  you,  Alice." 

"  No,  he  could  not  do  that,  brothe/." 

Warren  stepped  up  to  the  man. 

"  There  is  a  helpless  child  in  that  carriage,  who  wants 
to  speak  to  you,  my  friend." 

The  man,  surprised,  stepped  forward,  evidently  im- 
pressed by  the  sight  of  the  saintly  face  that  met  his 
gaze. 

She  extended  her  hand.  He  seemed  almost  to  shrink 
from  touching  its  puritv. 

"  You  see,  my  friend,"  said  the  young  girl,  "  that  I 
cannot  walk,  but  1  am  very  happy.  I  want  to  ask  you 
a  few  questions.  Have  you  the  use  of  your  limbs  — 
your  eyes?  Have  you  good  health?" 

"What  makes  you  ask  me  these  questions,  little 
miss  ?  But  I  answer  that  I  am  neither  lame,  nor  blind, 
nor  sick." 

"  Do  you  know  who  gives  you  all  these  blessings  ?  " 
continued  Alice. 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  193 

The  man  hung  his  head  as  he  replied,  "I  suppose 
that  you  would  tell  me  that  God  has  done  it." 

"Yes,  my  friend ;  and  yet,  just  now,  you  were  cursing 
that  holy,  blessed  Name.  Oh,  how  you  hurt  me !  Don't 
commit  such  wickedness  again.  Remember,  my  friend, 
that  we  must  all  die,  and  after  death  comes  the  judg- 
ment." 

"I  suppose  that  you  are  the  minister's  daughter," 
said  the  man.  "  I  Ve  heard  about  you  before ;  and  I  'm 
ashamed  that  you  should  have  heard  me  swear." 

"  It  is  God  that  you  have  offended,  my  friend.  Think 
of  that  —  not  poor  little  Alice  Hastings." 

"  It  is  a  very  bad  habit,  miss,  I  know,  and  I  '11  try  to 
break  it  up." 

"Here  is  a  tract,"  said  Alice.  ''Will  you  promise 
me  to  read  it?" 

"That  I  will,"  said  the  man;  "and  maybe  I'll  do 
better.  I  thank  you,  miss,  for  caring  for  a  poor  fellow 
like  me." 

"  Good-by,  my  friend.  If  you  want  to  see  me,  call 
at  Westbrook  Parsonage.  But  give  me  your  name  and 
address  before  you  go.'* 

The  little  carriage  passed  on,  and  the  man  stood 
looking  after  it. 

"  That 's  what  they  call  a  little  missionary,  I  suppose," 
eaid  the  man.  "A  fellow  must  listen  to  such  a  one  a«? 
tnat." 

Passing  quietly  along,  many  a  pleasant  greeting  was 
17  N 


194  WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

extended  to  the  child,  for  she  was  generally  known  in 
Westbrook. 

Coming  in  sight  of  the  creek,  a  sound  of  loud  ami 
angry  voices  struck  upon  their  ears. 

"  Look  there,  brother ! "  said  Alice.  "  Do  part  those 
wicked  boys !  See  how  they  are  fighting." 

They  were  little  fellows,  and  Warren  soon  succeeded 
in  holding  them  apart.  Both  were  crying  with  anger, 
and  stood  viewing  each  other  with  a  fierce  expression, 
Turning  for  a  moment,  they  were  attracted  by  the  sigh  t 
of  the  pale  occupant  of  the  carriage. 

"  Come  here,  boys,"  said  Alice ;  "  I  have  something  to 
say  to  you.  Are  you  any  relation  to  each  other  ?  " 

"  We  are  brothers,"  said  one. 

"  Why,  then,  do  you  quarrel  ?  "  inquired  the  child. 

"  Jim  threw  my  kite  into  the  creek,"  said  one. 

"  And  Sam  tried  to  tear  my  hair  out,"  said  the  other. 

"  Do  you  know  what  the  Bible  says,  boys  ?  '  Little 
children,  love  one  another.'  " 

"A  fellow  can't  love  one  that  tries  to  hurt  him  all  the 
time." 

"  But  you  need  not  strike  back  again,  Sam,  need  you  ? 
If,  when  Jim  is  angry,  you  try  to  be  kind,  he  would  soon 
become  ashamed.  Just  try  now,  and  see  if  he  is  not 
ready  to  make  up." 

Jim  was  beginning  to  relent,  for  he  had  heard  much 
•  if  Alice's  conversation  with  his  brother,  and  was  deeplv 
vnoved  by  the  gentle  words  from  such  an  afflicted  suflhrer 


WESTBROOK     PA11SONAGE.  195 

"  Come  here,  Jim,"  said  Alice.  *  Are  you  sorry  for 
throwing  away  Sam's  kite?" 

He  hung  his  head  a  moment,  and  replied :  "  I  did  it 
when  I  was  angry,  miss  ;  but  I  am  very  sorry  now,  and 
will  give  him  mine  in  the  place  of  it,  when  we  get 
home." 

"  Do  you  hear  that,  Sam?  "  said  Alice  "Now,  you 
must  be  friends,  boys ;  and  remember  how  much  happier 
you  are,  when  you  love  each  other." 

The  boys  stepped  forward  and  shook  hands,  while 
Alice  gave  to  each  a  tract  on  brotherly  love.  Taking 
their  names  and  address,  she  bade  them  good  morning ; 
and  passed  on  along  the  shady  creek.  She  was  growing 
more  cheerful  every  step  of  the  way ;  for  her  loving 
spirit  shed  its  brightness  over  tree  and  bush,  over  sky 
and  water,  all  reflecting  a  glow  within  the  placid  bosom. 

Plucking  wild  flowers  that  grew  by  the  wayside,  and 
enjoying  the  song  of  the  birds,  they  turned  at  last  into 
the  little  street  where  the  blind  woman  lived.  Aunty 
Miller  was  sitting  at  the  door  with  her  knitting,  for, 
blind  as  she  was,  she  was  quite  expert  at  this. 

"  How  do  you  do,  aunty  ?  "  said  the  young  girl. 

"  Is  that  you,  Miss  Alice  ?  I  wondered  what  had 
become  of  you." 

"  I  have  been  very  sick,  aunty  ;  but  am  better  now. 
liow  are  you  getting  along?" 

"  God  is  very  good,  Miss  Alice.  With  help  from  the 
church-alms,  the  kindness  of  friends,  and  my  knitting, 


196  WESTBBOOK     PARSONAGE. 

f  have  all  that  I  need,  and  a  little  mite  to  grve  every 
Sabbath  day." 

"  I  have  brought  you  some  good  little  books,  aunty : 
I  know  that  you  can't  read  them ;  but  Becky  Taylor 
has  promised  to  come  every  Saturday,  after  my  class  is 
over,  and  read  to  you." 

"  God  bless  you,  Miss  Alice ;  with  all  your  suffering, 
you  never  forget  us  poor  people." 

"  That  is  my  happiness,  aunty :  but  I  must  go  now ; 
I  have  several  more  to  see.  Good-by." 

Going  on  still  farther  —  some  gentle  words  at  Robert 
Jordan's,  with  a  book  that  she  had  promised ;  a  visit  to 
Matty  Hoskins,  the  cripple,  and  a  few  delicacies  with 
Letty  Fenton  closed  the  ministry  of  that  day.  Very 
quiet  and  unobtrusive  had  it  been  :  but  if  angels  do 
minister  to  living  saints,  doubtless  some  walked  by  the 
coach  of  Alice  Hastings  all  that  summer  day.  Coming 
home  through  the  more  frequented  streets,  Mrs.  Lacey 
met  the  carriage,  and,  opening  a  little  basket  that  she 
carried,  dropped  a  few  ripe  peaches  in  her  lap,  and 
pressed  a  warm  kiss  upon  the  soft  cheek.  Mrs.  Sher- 
wood saw  who  was  coming,  and  at  the  gate  she  too  mot 
the  invalid  with  a  bouquet  of  the  sweetest  flowers. 

By  this  time,  Alice  was  bright  as  a  lark ;  and  when 
she  entered  the  house,  Margaret  hastened  to  her,  and 
taking  off  the  hood,  said:  "Why,  really,  Alice,  you 
have  brought  back  some  pale  roses  on  your  cheek, 
Your  ride  has  done  you  good." 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  197 

•'  It  has  been  su>jh  a  happy  morning,  sister ;  for  I  find 
that  I  can  do  some  work  for  the  Pastor's  Aid  yet ;  but 
I  am  a  little  tired  DOW.  Please  give  me  a  biscuit 
and  a  glass  of  milk  ;  and  then  I  '11  take  a  short  nao 
before  dinner." 

It  is  fine  weather,  and  Alice  spends  much  time  out  of 
doors  in  the  pleasant  orchard,  either  knitting  or  sewing, 
while  one  of  the  family  reads  to  her  from  some  enter- 
taining or  useful  book.  It  is  a  very  inviting  picture, 
and  many  a  visitor  drops  in  to  chat  awhile  with  the 
interesting  invalid,  who,  propped  up  in  her  couch 
under  the  green  shade  of  the  low,  spreading  trees, 
enjoys  these  seasons  of  social  intercourse. 

Mamma  keeps  an  eye  upon  the  company,  and  when 
she  thinks  Alice  is  growing  weary,  sends  out  a  little 
lunch,  or  warns  them  that  it  is  time  to  rest 

She  is  very  much  interested  in  the  pigeons  that  build 
their  nests  in  the  tower  of  St.  Barnabas',  and  Warren 
and  she  have  succeeded  in  taming  the  little  creatures  so 
well,  that  they  flock  around  the  couch  as  soon  as  they 
see  it  brought  out  in  the  orchard,  to  get  their  supply  of 
corn,  cooing  around  Alice,  and  many  of  them  lighting 
upon  her  hand  or  on  the  head-board  of  her  couch. 
She  has  named  many  of  them,  and  it  is  an  entertaining 
sight  to  passers-by  to  watch  their  gentle  movements 
with  their  young  friend. 

Alice  is  thirteen,  now  and  we  meet  her  on  the  morn* 

ing  of  this  day  at  family  prayers. 
17* 


198  WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

"  We  Luve  an  interesting  subject  for  our  texts  to-day/' 
said  the  pastor.  "  I  hope  that  you  are  all  well  prepared; 
for  nothing  is  more  important  in  the  whole  range  of 
Christian  doctrine  than  the  subject  of  faith." 

"  I  have  mine,  papa,"  said  Margaret :  "  '  Faith  is  the 
substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things 
not  seen.' " 

"  What  have  you,  Allan?" 

"  '  Without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  God.' " 

"And  yours,  Warren?" 

•• '  The"  just  shall  live  by  faith.' " 

"  What  has  Alice  on  the  subject?  " 

" '  For  we  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight.' " 

"  And  what  has  Edward  ?  " 

" '  By  grace  ye  are  saved  through  faith.' " 

"  I  am  waiting  for  Lucy's  ?  " 

"  '  And  He  said  to  the  woman,  Thy  faith  hath  saved 
thee ;  go  in  peace.' " 

"  You  have  brought  excellent  passages,  my  children," 
said  the  pastor,  "  showing  what  faith  is,  and  how  abso- 
^.utely  indispensable  it  is  in  the  work  of  our  salvation. 
For  every  step  of  our  way  to  the  heavenly  city  is  in  the 
march  of  faith  —  called  upon  to  reach  after  joys  which 
'  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered 
into  the  heart  of  man  ; '  so  that  we  have  constant  need 
to  pray,  '  Lord,  increase  our  faith  ! ' 

After  worship,  the  family  offered   their   congratula- 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  199 

lions  to  Alice  upon  her  birthday,  all  coming  with  their 
love-gifts,  however  small. 

It  is  generally  known  among  the  people  of  St.  Bar- 
nabas', and  all  day  other  gifts  of  love  arrive,  to  show 
that  she  is  remembered.  Mrs.  Sherwood  sends  a  beauti- 
ful picture  of  Easter  morning,  and  Mrs.  Lacey  a  picture 
of  the  family  at  the  parsonage. 

"  How  lovely  this  picture  is !  "  said  Alice.  "  How  did 
Mrs.  Lacey  know  that  I  would  rather  have  it  than  any- 
thing else?  Both  shall  hang  in  my  little  room  where  I 
can  see  them  all  day  long." 

In  the  afternoon,  Alice  received  her  young  friends 
out  in  the  orchard,  where  they  enjoyed  an  hour  in 
childish  games  —  Alice  looking  on  with  great  pleasure, 
checking  Edward  and  Lucy  whenever  she  saw  the  least 
appearance  of  selfishness ;  but  all  in  such  a  quiet  way, 
that  no  one  but  the  children  knew  what  she  whispered 
in  their  ear,  when  she  called  them  to  her  side  to  give 
her  gentle  hints. 

"  Let  the  guests  choose  the  games,  always,  Edward," 
whispered  Alice ;  "even  if  you  don't  like  them." 

"  I  can't  bear  '  Pussy  wants  a  corner ; '  it  is  such  a 
baby-play." 

"  Never  mind,  Edward  ;  don't  you  see  how  the  little 
ones  like  it  ?  It  pleases  them,  and  that  ought  to  please 
you,  brother." 

At  the  close  of  the  afternoon,  assembled  in  the  parlor, 
the  children  partook  of  some  refreshments.  And  kissing 


200  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

sweet  Alice  Hastings,  all  went  home  very  happy,  each 
having  something  to  tell  of  her  pleasant  ways. 

But  rainy  days  shut  Alice  up  in  the  house,  and  then 
ehe  is  busy  with  her  correspondence,  for  she  is  very 
fond  of  sending  her  little  notes  around.  She  has  not 
forgotten  Jim  and  Sam  McGowan,  the  little  boys  that 
quarrelled.  We  find  them  now  and  then  at  the  parson- 
age, and  in  regular  attendance  at  the  Sunday  school  of 
St.  Barnabas :  therefore  are  they  in  the  list  remembered 
in  the  prayers  of  Alice  Hastings. 

"  What  is  the  use,  Alice,  of  spending  your  time  over 
that  worthless  sot,  Dan  Galway  ?  "  said  Warren. 

"  He  answers  my  notes,  always,  brother ;  and  says  that 
he  ha*  nearly  given  up  the  habit  of  swearing,  ever  since 
that  day  that  we  met  upon  the  road." 

Aunty  Miller  waits  too  for  the  little  notes  that  Becky 
Taylor  reads  to  her,  and  Robert  Jordan  says  that  they 
always  come  to  him  like  dew  after  a  hot  day. 

Nan  Lescure  comes  in  for  her  share,  and  Miss  Mary 
says  that  the  wild  mountain-girl  is  softening  daily  under 
the  gentle  influence  of  Alice  Hastings.  Truly  the  pale 
invalid  is  an  important  member  of  the  Pastor's  Aid, 
with  her  gentle  words,  her  little  notes,  her  holy  prayers, 
her  sweet  example. 

Mrs.  Sherwood  is  drawn  to  the  parsonage  frequently 
by  the  sufferer,  and  never  comes  without  her  offering  of 
fruit  or  flowers,  or  other  delicacies.  We  find  her  thus 
domesticated  one  morning,  by  the  side  of  the  couch  of 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  201 

the  invalid ;  both  she  and  Mrs.  Hastings  occupied  with 
needle-work.  There  is  still  a  look  of  fixed  despondency 
on  the  face  of  the  visitor ;  for  she  has  not  yet  found  the 
peace  of  the  blessed  Gospel :  but  she  is  learning  to  talk 
more  freely  to  her  neighbor  upon  the  great  subject  that 
interests  them  both. 

"  How  is  it,  Mrs.  Hastings,"  said  the  lady,  "  that  you 
seem  to  dwell  in  such  an  atmosphere  of  peace?  I  have 
been  so  long  searching  for  the  true  Church  of  Christ ; 
and  now  that  I  have  found  it,  I  am  still  without  a 
sure  hope  of  heaven,  my  frames  of  mind  are  ever  jjo 
variable." 

"  It  will  ever  be  so,  my  dear  madam,"  said  the  pastor's 
wife,  "  so  long  as  you  depend  upon  frames  and  euiutious 
for  your  comforts.  While  we  are  in  this  mortal  body, 
subject  to  all  its  infirmities  which  cloud  our  earthly  joys, 
and  surrounded  by  so  much  in  the  outer  world  to  disturb 
our  peace,  it  would  be  a  sad  thing,  indeed,  if  there  were 
no  unchanging  rock  —  no  harbor  of  peace  where  our 
little  bark  might  ride  at  anchor :  such  an  unchanging 
rock,  such  a  harbor  of  peace  we  find  in  Christ  only; 
so  long  as  we  keep  our  eye  upon  Him,  the  soul  is  at 
peace  ' 

"But  I  dare  not  come  to  this  infinitely  holy  Saviour; 
He  is  so  far  removed  out  of  mortal  sight,  so  high,  so 
distant,  that  I  shrink  from  an  approach  which  to  me 
seems  so  presumptuous,  and  therefore  I  have  been  taught 
that,  in  compassion  to  our  infirmities,  God  hath  instituted 


202  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

an  order  upon  the  earth,  to  mediate  between  our  soul* 
and  God.  But  here,  too,  I  find  a  difficulty :  these  priests 
are  themselves  fallible  men,  and  though  I  believe  that 
there  is  such  an  order  in  the  Church,  even  that  does  not 
impart  the  peace  that  you  enjoy." 

Alice  had  been  listening  all  the  while  to  this  conver- 
sation, with  great  interest,  and  in  an  interval  of  silen.  t . 
said,  "I  wish  that  you  could  talk  to  my  papa,  Mrs. 
Sherwood  ;  he  could  comfort  you,  and  make  the  way  so 
plain :  he  says  that  it  is  not  the  Church  that  saves  us, 
it  is  Jesus — Jesus  only.  His  is  such  a  grand,  large 
Church,  Mrs.  Sherwood  —  the  Holy  Catholic  Church, 
that  we  profess  to  believe  in,  every  Sunday — the  whole 
body  of  true  believers  throughout  this  great,  large 
world.  I  do  love  to  say  those  beautiful  words,  for  it 
seems  as  if  we  were  stretching  out  our  arms  so  wide,  to 
embrace  all  who  love  our  Master." 

"  It  is  a  beautiful  faith,"  said  Mrs.  Sherwood ;  "  but  I 
have  been  told  that  it  is  a  great  error — a  mere  delusion ; 
and  that  all  not  regularly  ordained  are  in  a  state  of 
schism ;  if  so,  then  we  commit  a  sin  in  fraternizing  with 
such." 

" Monstrous ! "  said  Mrs.  Hastings;  " denouncing — re- 
jecting those  whom  the  Lord  has  blessed." 

"  I  want  to  know  the  truth,  Mrs.  Hastings,"  replied 
her  visitor,  "  but  there  are  great  difficulties  in  my 
way." 

The  family  at  the  parsonage  were  greatly  interested  in 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  203 

their  visitor,  and  Alice  said,  as  she  closed  the  door, 
"We  will  pray,  mamma,  that  God  would  lead  her  to 
our  precious  Saviour — then  she  will  be  happy." 

Agnes,  too,  is  a  frequent  visitor,  for  there  is  so  much 
in  that  favored  household  to  attract.  We  find  her,  one 
morning,  seated  with  Margaret,  by  the  couch  of  the 
invalid,  Agnes  engaged  on  a  piece  of  very  rich  em- 
broidery. 

"What  are  you  doing?"  said  A-ice.  "That  is  very 
beautiful  work." 

"I  am  embroidering  an  altar  cloth,"  replied  the 
young  lady. 

"  An  altar  cloth,"  replied  Alice ;  "  what  for  ?" 

"  For  the  altar  at  St.  Gregory's,"  replied  Agnes. 

"  Why,  have  you  an  altar,"  inquired  Alice  ;  "  papa 
says  that  ours  is  a  table.  It  seems  very  strange  to  have 
two  names  for  the  one  thing,  in  the  same  church :  why 
do  you  call  it  an  altar?" 

"  Mr.  Moncrief  says  that  is  the  proper  name,  for  there 
is  the  place  of  sacrifice,  and  there  is  the  sacrificing 
priest." 

"What  sacrifice,  Agnes?"  inquired  Margaret  Hast- 
ings. 

"The  sacrifice  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  replied 
Agnes. 

"  We  are  taught  that  our  Lord  was  offered  once  for  all 
upon  Calvary,"  replied  Margaret. 

"And  we  are  taught  that  whenever  the  Holy  Commu 


204  WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

nion  is  administered,  at  the  time  of  consecratioii,  the 
Lord  himself,  in  some  mysterious  manner,  swift  as  a 
lightning  flash,  descends  from  heaven,  and  enters  bodily 
into  the  holy  elements ;  and  because  the  Lord  himself  is 
there,  we  worship  the  elements  —  hence  the  altar  decora- 
tions, altar  lights,  incense,  flowers,  processions,  facing 
the  east,  and  reverential  bowings." 

"And  do  you  believe  all  that,  Agnes? "said  Margaret, 
with  a  look  of  surprise  upon  her  eloquent  face. 

"I  do,  and  much  more,  too — that  is  the  reason  for  the 
ise  of  priestly  vestments." 

"  I  have  heard  a  great  deal  of  talk,  lately,  about  an 
lib,  and  a  chasuble,  about  a  tunicle,  and  dalmatic,  in 
our  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,"  said  Margaret.  "  Will 
you  show  me,  Agnes,  in  our  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
where  they  are  authorized  ?  " 

Agnes  looked  slightly  confused  as  she  replied,  "  I  do 
not  think  that  they  will  be  found  there ;  but  we  use  an 
English  book,  called  the  Director  ium  Anglicanum,  and 
the  Priest's  Prayer  Book." 

"What  right  have  we,  Protestant  Episcopalians,  to 
use  such  books ;  have  we  not  an  authorized  service- 
book?" 

"  That  does  not  forbid  the  use  of  such,  our  minister 
says." 

"  That  argument  would  bring  in  a  flood  of  anything 
that  the  fancy  of  man  could  invent." 

"We  don't  like  the  word  'Protestant  Episcopal,'" 


WE3TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  205 

said  Agnes ;  "  we  prefer  the  word  '  Catholic,'  and  want 
to  bring  back  the  good  old  days  of  the  ancient 
Church." 

Alice  lay  v?ry  silent  for  awhile,  her  eloquent  eyes 
fixed  upon  the  face  of  Agnes  Sherwood,  with  a  tender, 
sorrowful  expression,  as  she  said :  "  Do  these  foolish 
things  bring  Jesus  nearer,  Agnes  ?  When  you  go  to  the 
communion  of  our  Lord,  does  it  seem  as  if  He  spoke  the 
words  of  peace?" 

"I  never  felt  that,  Alice,  for  the  thought  that  the 
Lord  himself  was  so  near,  that  I  was  actually  feeding 
upon  his  body,  inspires  me  with  fear  and  trembling,  not 
with  love." 

"  Only  listen  to  our  Saviour's  precious  words,  Agnes," 
said  the  youtuful  Christian :  " '  Come  unto  me,  all  ye 
that  travail  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  refresh 
you.'  Jesus  means  what  he  says,  and  if  we  come  in 
faith  He  will  bless  us." 

"  I  have  no  such  feelings,  Alice ;  Mr.  Moncrief  says 
that  such  familiarity  is  presumptuous." 

"  Our  Lord  seemed  to  encourage  the  most  intimate 
and  affectionate  relations  between  himself  and  his  dis- 
ciples, when  he  was  on  earth,"  said  Margaret ;  "and  He 
is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  forever  —  partaking 
of  the  hospitalities  of  Lazarus  and  his  sisters — eating 
even  with  publicans  and  sinners,  and  allowing  John  to 
recline  upon  his  bosom.  Surely,  this  compassionate  Re- 
deemer is  no  less  loving  and  faithful  now." 
16 


206  WESTBfiOOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  I  wish  that  I  could  feel  so,"  said  Agnes,  "  but  I  dare 
not.  Clouds  of  mystery  surround  the  Saviour  that  I  am 
taught  to  worship." 

"  What  a  pity,"  said  Alice ;  "  you  lose  so  much !  1 
can  tell  him  anything,  and  I  know  that  He  is  touched 
with  the  feelings  of  my  infirmities ;  and  though  I  am  a 
sinful  child,  it  was  for  exactly  such  that  He  came." 


CHAPTER  XV. 

EMMAUS. 
"Did  not  oar  hearts  burn  within  as,  when  he  t&lked  idth  m  by  the  way?" 

fTl  HERE  is  to  be  a  convocation  of  the  brethren  at  St. 
-L  Barnabas',  and  it  is  a  season  of  unusual  interest,  for 
not  only  are  the  members  expected,  but  large  numbers 
of  clergymen,  called  together  by  the  peculiar  exigencies 
of  the  Church  of  their  affections.  Mr.  Morgan  is  the 
first,  for  he  is  anxious  to  know  how  so  many  are  to  be 
provided  for.  Debby  has  become  accustomed  to  the 
ways  of  the  good  man,  by  this  time  ;  and  therefore,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  puts  away  five  pairs  of  chickens,  two 
fine  hams,  two  large  tongues,  a  pot  of  fresh  butter,  and 
a  large  basket  of  eggs. 

"Will  that  do,  Debby?"  said  the  visitor. 

"  How  many  do  you  expect  at  the  parsonage?" 

"  Four  clergymen,  I  think ;  but  there  will  be  company 
at  every  meal,  and  I  will  see  that  all  is  right.  You  '11 
let  me  know  just  what  you  want,  Debby;  for  these  are 
my  children,  you  know." 

The  pastor  has  vacated  his  room,  and  Margaret  her^  ; 

and  arrangements  are  made  also  at  Dr.  Lacey's,  and 

207 


208  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

among  the  people  generally,  for  the  entertainment  of  the 
strangers. 

Two  clergymen,  with  carpet  bag  in  hand,  are  already 
coming  up  the  garden  walk. 

"  I  am  so  glad  tnal  we  are  to  have  Mr.  Thayer  an« 
Dr.  Nelson,"  said  Margaret ;  "  they  are  so  different,  and 
yet  I  like  them  both  so  much." 

By  this  time  the  clergymen  were  in  the  parlor,  warmly 
greeted  by  the  rector,  and  perceiving  Alice  in  the  little 
room  adjoining,  Mr.  Thayer  hastened  out,  and  taking  the 
little  hand,  said:  "And  how  is  my  little  Alice,  now? 
Though,  I  see  that  you  are  growing  tall,  my  dear." 

"  I  am  pretty  well,  now,  Mr.  Thayer,  though  I  have 
suffered  very  much  since  you  were  here  last.'; 

"  You  keep  close  to  the  Saviour,  Alice,  I  hope ;  then 
your  trials  seem  so  much  less." 

"  That  is  all  my  comfort.  I  am  so  glad  that  so  many 
of  our  Lord's  ministers  are  coming.  I  can't  go  to  church, 
only  on  communion-days,  and  that  not  always.  But 
won't  you  have  one  of  the  meetings  here,  that  I  may 
attend?" 

"I  dare  say  that  we  shall,  Alice,  for  these  rooms 
would  accommodate  a  large  number." 

Late  in  the  evening,  George  Vincent,  a  young  minister, 
one  of  Father  Morgan's  prot&ges,  joined  the  company. 

"We  have  come  together  for  solemn  work,"  said  Dr. 
Nelson  j  "  in  the  midst  of  a  sharp  conflict  in  religious 
Thought.  I  own  that  I  feel  despondent,  for  so  rapid  is 


WESTBEOCK     PARSONAGE.  209 

the  progress  of  the  defection  in  our  beloved  Church,  and 
so  lay  the  discipline  on  one  side,  that  I  fear  we  have  but 
little  to  hope  for  in  the  way  of  relief  to  brethren  whose 
consciences  are  burdened  with  a  weight  of  responsibil- 
ity." 

"We  need  heavenly  wisdom  and  divine  charity,"  said 
Mr.  Thayer,  "to  guide  us  in  our  deliberations ;  for  there 
ia  »o  much  in  the  movement  to  excite  our  indignation, 
that,  ere  we  are  aware  of  it,  we  may  be  impelled  by  the 
spirit  that  our  Master  rebuked  in  the  disciples  of  old, 
who  were  for  calling  down  fire  from  heaven  to  consume 
offenders." 

"  It  appears  to  me  that  the  new  developments  are  mere 
matters  of  taste,"  said  George  Vincent ;  "  only  an  efflo- 
rescent ceremonial." 

"A  ceremonial  teaching  corrupt  doctrine,"  said  Dr. 
Hastings ;  "  object-lessons  in  the  Church  that  we  love. 
If  we  could  believe  that  these  were  mere  matters  of  taste, 
then  we  might  look  with  pity  and  surprise  upon  pageants 
and  postures,  on  perfumes  and  scenic  decorations ;  but 
they  should  create  alarm,  for  the  great  leading  minds 
avow  that  they  are  intended  to  teach  doctrines." 

"  You  take  the  right  view,  my  son,"  said  Father  Mor- 
gan. "Ritualism  is  the  fruit  of  Tractarianism.  New- 
man and  Pusey  knew  what  they  were  about,  when  they 
so  carefully  indoctrinated  the  teachers,  and  trained  a 
band  by  a  process  of  reasoning;  for  one  says:  'Without 

dogma,  ritualism  is  an  illusion — ritual  is  the  visible 
18*  0 


210  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

expression  of  divine  truth — the  surest  way  to  teach  the 
Catholic  faith,  is  by  the  Catholic  ritual." 

"They  exhibit  profound  knowledge  of  the  weakness 
of  human  nature,  when  they  address  the  senses,"  said 
Dr.  Nelson ;  "  for  through  these  avenues,  the  most  pow 
erful  impressions  are  made.  The  central  point  of  Ritu- 
alism is  the  same  as  Tractarianism — the  real  presence, 
in  the  communion  of  the  Church  —  and  so  by  every 
mode,  they  paint  it  to  the  eye.  It  may  be  well  to  quote 
one  of  their  own  leaders,  who  writes : 

" '  It  may  be  well  at  this  time  to  restate  that  great 
doctrine  which  is  the  groundwork  of  the  whole  theory 
and  practice  of  church-worship  —  the  true  doctrine  of 
the  Eucharistic  Sacrifice ;  and  because  that  doctrine  of 
the  real  bodily  presence  is  believed  by  the  ritualists,  we 
have  lights  upon  the  communion  table,  incense,  "ad- 
vanced "music;  vestments  of  strange  patterns  and  gor- 
geous coloring,  changing  with  the  seasons;  reverences 
toward  the  place  where  the  Presence  is  supposed  to  be, 
and  bowings  and  prostrations  as  acts  of  adoration.' " 

"  Truly  this  object-teaching  should  alarm  all  true 
Protestant  brethren,"  said  Father  Morgan ;  "but  really 
sometimes  it  appears  only  ridiculous,  when  we  see  the 
lengths  to  which  they  travel  to  defend  their  folly.  Only 
the  other  day,  I  read  an  attempt  to  prove  that  the 
Apostle  Paul  must  have  worn  vestments,  when  he  sent 
for  the  cloak  that  he  had  left  at  Troas." 

A  general  laugh  followed  this  speech,  at  the  bare  idea 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE,  211 

uf  rigging  the  grand  Apostle  in  the  millinery  and  fop- 
pishness of  ritualism. 

"  By-the-by,"  said  the  quaint  old  man, "  do  you  know , 
brethren,  that  I  have  found  names  for  all  of  you  ?  " 

"  Let  us  hear  them,"  said  Dr.  Hastings. 

"  I  call  you,  Timothy,  my  son  ;  Thayer,  is  John,  the 
beloved  disciple ;  Dr.  Nelson  is  our  Luther;  Vincent  is 
doubting  Thomas;  and  you  must  give  me  my  name, 
brethren." 

Dr.  Nelson  smiled  and  replied :  "  Zealous,  warm- 
hearted Peter." 

"  Yes,  that  will  do,"  said  the  old  man ;  "  but  one  thing, 
let  us  all  be  called  by  the  name  of  our  Master,  only." 

There  is  a  ring  at  the  hall -bell,  and  Bishop  Lysle  is 
introduced,  most  welcome  to  the  group  at  the  parsonage, 
tie  is  rather  small,  with  a  calm  blue  eye,  thinnish  brown 
hair,  and  by  no  means  of  an  imposing  presence,  and  is  to 
preach  the  opening  sermon  of  the  convocation. 

Blessed  and  holy  was  the  communion  of  saints  m 
that  parsonage  parlor,  one  of  those  stopping-places  in 
the  Christian  pilgrimage,  where  the  weary  may  rest 
awhile  from  their  toils  and  conflicts,  and  commune 
(ogether  of  the  blessed  future  in  store  for  those  who 
truly  love  God. 

"  A  little  taste  of  heaven,  papa,"  said  Alice,  as  he 
bade  her  good  night ;  "  so  many  of  God's  dear  servants 
all  together,  such  as  we  shall  dwell  with  forever." 

"  Yes,  Alice,  only  without  fault  or  blemish,  cla/l  ir 


212  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

our  Master's  image:  let  us  press  on,  darling,  to  oui 
heavenly  inheritance." 

" '  Where  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither 
have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which 
God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  Him.'  Good 
night,  dear  papa." 

Assembled  next  morning  around  the  family  altar, 
Bishop  Lysle  presided,  pleased  that  a  cardinal  doctrine 
of  Christianity  formed  the  subject  of  the -family  texts  — 
that  of  justification  by  faith. 

"  A  doctrine  hated  by  the  high  ritualists,"  said  the 
Bishop ;  "  for  one  of  the  writers  of  that  school  styles  it 
'  that  most  anti-missionary  and  anti-Christian  of  dogmas.' 
But  we  are  taught  to  consider  it  the  rock  on  which  the 
soul  can  find  its  only  sure  resting-place.  Now  let  me 
hear  some  of  the  texts." 

Margaret  spoke  first :  " '  Therefore,  being  justified  by 
faith,  we  have  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.'  " 

"This  is  mine,"  said  Warren:  "'Being  justified  freely 
by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.'" 

"  I  am  ready  for  Allan's." 

"  '  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the  works 
of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  even  we 
have  believed  in  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified 
by  the  faith  of  Christ,  not  by  the  works  of  the  law :  for 
by  the  works  of  the  law  shall  no  flesh  be  justified,' " 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  213 

"  Has  Alice  a  passage  on  the  subject  ?  " 

" '  And  by  him,  all  that  believe  are  justified  from  all 
things,  from  which  ye  could  not  be  justified  by  the  law 
of  Moses.' " 

"  I  have  one,  Bishop,"  said  Edward,  who  saw  that  he 
was  closing  the  Bible  :  "  '  Much  more  then,  being  now 
justified  by  his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath 
through  him.'  " 

"  I  have  a  very  nice  text,"  said  little  Lucy,  with  a 
timid  voice :  " '  But  ye  are  justified  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  God.'  " 

"  Blessed  are  ye,  my  dear  children,"  said  the  good 
Bishop,  "  to  be  so  constantly  and  faithfully  taught  these 
precious  truths  of  the  Bible :  impressed  by  the  Spirit  of 
God,  though  assaulted  on  every  side,  the  gates  of  hell 
shall  not  prevail  against  it." 

In  language  glowing  with  love  and  strong  in  faith, 
the  Bishop  commended  the  household  to  the  care  of 
the  Good  Shepherd,  confident  that  he  would  fulfil  hia 
promises  to  the  children  of  the  righteous. 

Assembled  in  the  lecture-room,  there  was  an  hour  of 
blessed  intercourse  with  heaven  before  the  public  service 
in  the  church,  where  Bishop  Melville,  in  his  own  impres- 
sive manner,  addressed  the  brethren : 

"  Let  us  know  where  we  stand,  my  brethren,  far  ad- 
vanced in  the  nineteenth  century — eminently  in  thelat- 
ler  day  of  the  Gospel  dispensation,  when  we  are  told 
that  there  shall  be  a  great  falling  away  from  the  faith 


214  WESTBfcOOK     PARSONAGE. 

in  the  Church  of  God.  There  is  much  to  alarm  true 
Christians,  for  the  very  foundations  of  our  hope  are  at- 
tacked, and  the  Church  that  we  love  undermined  by 
miners  and  sappers,  who  are  seeking  to  weaken  the  sup- 
ports of  the  Protestant  faith.  Let  there  be  no  divisions 
among  us,  but  as  one  man  let  us  stand  firmly  shoulder 
to  shoulder,  in  defence  of  the  Gospel.  There  is  need  of 
great  wisdom  in  every  movement,  for  we  are  standing,  as 
it  were,  on  the  borders  of  the  Red  Sea,  as  did  the  Israel- 
ites of  old.  They  were  in  danger,  too,  beset  by  foes  on 
every  hand,  but  they  did  not  rush  into  the  sea  without 
orders ;  when  Moses  gave  the  word  of  command,  they 
marched,  and  the  waters  divided  on  either  side,  making 
a  safe  passage  for  the  mighty  host.  God  will  fight  for 
his  own  Church  now,  brethren ;  let  us  listen  for  our 
Moses'  voice — watch  for  his  dividing  staff — and  we,  too, 
shall  pass  through  our  Red  Sea  in  safety." 

Every  eye  was  fixed  upon  the  tall  and  dignified  form 
of  the  venerable  speaker,  for  Bishop  Melville  was  vene- 
rable now — silver  hairs  crowning  his  broad,  expansive 
brow;  and  as  the  clear,  sonorous  tones  rang  out  their 
trumpet  notes,  many  in  that  listening  throng  could  not 
but  compare  him  to  the  Moses  of  ancient  days.  After 
solemn  prayer  and  another  hymn,  Mr.  Thayer  arose  — 
always  a  welcome  speaker — with  his  heavenly  wisdom, 
his  loving  spirit :  "  Let  us  beware,  dear  brethren,  of 
harsh  judgment  ID  dealing  with  the  propagators  of  error, 
in  these  troubled  days.  While  we  do  not  give  place—* 


215 


no,  not  for  one  hour  —  to  the  adversary,  let  us  remember 
that  all  aro  not  to  be  equally  condemned.  With  some, 
it  is  very  likely  a  mere  sestheticism  ;  with  others,  an 
exaggeration  of  forms  which  our  Church  appoints,  but 
which  it  has  carefully  restricted,  who  have  not  yet  real- 
ized to  what  these  innovations  may  lead,  and  from  which 
they  will  honestly  shrink.  Toward  such,  let  us  exercise 
'  the  charity  which  hopeth  all  things  ;  '  but  with  those 
who  avow  their  purpose  to  unprotestantize  our  beloved 
Church,  we  must  not,  cannot  hold  communion.  We  can 
weep  over  their  unfaithfulness  to  ordination  vows  —  can 
pray  for  their  recovery  from  the  snare  of  the  tempter  ; 
but  the  right.hand  of  fellowship  must  be  extended  only 
to  those  who  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the 
saints."  Deep  impressions  were  made  by  both  of  these 
speakers,  and  earnest  were  the  prayers  put  up  by  that 
company  of  the  faithful  sons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church. 

Gathered  in  the  church  of  St.  Barnabas,  a  listening 
crowd  hung  upon  the  words  of  Bishop  Lysle,  with  an 
impressive  silence  that  might  be  felt.  With  the  zeal  of 
a  true  apostle,  he  placed  the  decisions  of  Couno.ils  and 
ancient  Fathers  just  where  they  belonged.  We  will  give 
an  extract  from  his  bold  and  faithful  sermon  : 

"  Why  make  our  appeal  to  Councils  and  Fathers,  to 
patristic,  or  mediaeval,  or  modern  definitions,  when  we 
have  veritably  infallible  guidance  —  the  guidance  of  the 
men  upon  whose  heads  rested  the  cloven  flames  at  Pen- 


216  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

tecost,  and  whose  names  are  on  the  foundation-stones  of 
the  New  Jerusalem?  The  Apostles,  the  only  unerring 
guides  and  governors  of  the  Church,  live  as  perpetual 
witnesses  to  the  truth.  They  speak  now,  as  they  spoke 
of  old,  with  decision  and  clearness.  We  can  consult 
them  with  greater  convenience  than  could  their  own 
contemporaries.  For  they  are  not  now  dispersed  over 
the  earth.  Their  testimony  is  combined  and  complete. 
Points  which  they  have  not  settled,  never  will  be  settled 
under  the  present  dispensation ;  and  where  they  have 
spoken,  there  is  no  appeal.  An  eminent  divine,  identi- 
fied with  the  movement  that  has  for  so  many  years  dis- 
tracted the  Church  of  England,  avows  his  readiness  to 
defend  '  the  real  objective  presence,  the  Eucharistic  sac- 
rifice, and  the  adoration  of  our  Lord  truly  present  under 
the  Eucharistic  symbols,  as  being  the  teaching  of  the 
whole  Catholic  Church  from  the  time  of  the  Apostles.' 
He  does  not  defend  it  as  the  teaching  of  the  Apostles 
themselves.  Then  we  say,  even  if  the  claim  could  be  sub- 
stantiated, to  what  does  it  amount  ?  The  whole  Catho- 
lic Church,  from  the  first  century  to  the  twentieth,  can- 
not establish  a  doctrine  unrevealed  in  Scripture,  respect- 
ing which  the  Apostles  are  silent,  or  which  contradicts 
their  teaching.  This  is  our  rock,  from  which  nothing 
can  move  us.  The  Church  is  built  upon  the  foundation 
of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being 
the  chief  corner-stone,  and  our  confidence  is  firm  and 
unwavering,  that  by  them  no  important  question  is 


WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE.  217 

unanswered — no  vital  truth  undiscovered — no  divine 
lequireraent  left  in  obscurity  and  doubt." 

Loyal  sons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  listened 
to  this  stirring,  able  sermon,  with  hearts  deeply  moved, 
and  joined,  with  renewed  devotion,  in  singing  the  beau 
tiful  hymn : 

"  I  love  thy  kingdom,  Lord, 

The  house  of  thine  abode, 
The  Church  our  blest  Redeemer  saved 
With  his  own  precious  blood. 

"I  love  thy  Church,  0  God, 

Her  walls  before  thee  stand, 
Dear  as  the  apple  of  thine  eye, 
And  graven  on  thy  hand. 

"  If  e'er  my  heart  forget 

Her  welfare  or  her  woe, 
Let  every  joy  this  heart  forsake, 
And  every  grief  o'erflow. 

"  For  her  my  tears  shall  fall ; 

For  her  my  prayers  ascend ; 
To  her  my  cares  and  toils  be  given, 
Till  toils  and  cares  shall  end." 

Truly  there  was  no  need  of  surpliced  singing-boys  at 
St.  Barnabas'  on  that  occasion,  for  the  earnest  volume  of 
responsive  worship  that  filled  th<*  church  from  the  clergy 
assembled,  gave  full  evidence  of  the  majestic  power  of 

our  service,  when  the  people  join  heartily  iu  its  different 
19 


218  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

parts;  for  they  were  all  inspired  on  that  day  by  the 
example  of  the  fifty  clergymen  in  their  midst. 

The  venerable  Bishop  Miles  read  the  Communion 
Service  in  his  own  solemn  manner,  and  tears  started  in 
many  eyes,  as  the  trembling  tones  of  his  voice  fell  upon 
their  ears,  for  they  seemed  to  say  that  his  ministry  of 
holiness  and  love  would  soon  close  upon  earth. 

Two  days  were  spent  together  in  holy  consultation, 
and  the  last  evening  had  arrived.  A  large  number  had 
assembled  in  the  parlor  of  the  parsonage,  where  they 
communed  together  for  the  last  time  of  the  things  of 
the  kingdom  of  our  blessed  Lord. 

Margaret  Hastings  presided  at  the  organ,  and  sweet 
strains  of  sacred  music  filled  not  only  the  room  where 
they  had  assembled,  but  swelling  upon  the  air,  had 
stolen  out  through  the  windows,  enticing  Agnes  Sher- 
wood into  the  garden  of  the  parsonage,  and  almost  un- 
perceived  into  the  presence  of  the  worshippers. 

Fresh  vows  of  fidelity,  deeper  consecration  to  the 
Master's  service,  prayers  which  could  never  be  forgotten, 
and  exhortations  that  stirred  every  heart  followed  each 
other  until  a  late  hour  in  the  evening,  and  at  the  close, 
all  standing,  sang  the  sweet  hymn : 

"Blest  is  the  tie  that  binds 

Our  hearts  in  Christian  love; 
The  fellowship  of  kindred  mindi 
la  like  to  that  above." 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  219 

'  Surely  the  Master  was  in  our  midst,"  said  Father 
Morgan,  "  for  did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us,  while 
He  talked  with  us  by  the  way?  It  is  not  easy  to  break 
up  such  a  meeting ;  but  we  must  say  farewell  now." 

As  one  by  one  shook  the  parting  hand  and  uttered 
the  parting  blessing,  Father  Morgan  followed  George 
Vincent  out  into  the  hall,  and,  with  one  arm  over  his 
shoulder,  and  the  other  grasping  his  hand,  said  in 
earuest,  loving  tones :  "  God  bless  and  keep  you,  my  son, 
for  I  fear  that  you  are  on  the  borders  of  temptation,  or 
why  do  I  hear  of  you  so  often  at  St.  Gregory's  ?  " 

"  I  cannot  see  so  much  to  disapprove,  Father  Morgan, 
for  you  will  own  that  there  was  much  in  the  ancient 
church  to  admire,  and  much  in  the  modern  to  deplore." 

"  Listen  to  an  old  man's  warning,  my  son,  and  bewar« 
how  you  are  beguiled  from  the  simplicity  that  is  in  Christ. 
Keep  close  to  the  blessed  word  of  God  —  close  to  the 
Holy  Spirit  of  God  :  let  no  sophistry  beguile  you  from 
that  safe,  that  blessed  path  ;  but  come  what  may,  George 
Vincent,  I  am  your  true  friend  at  all  times.  Good-by. 
God  bless  and  keep  you." 

Father  Morgan  returned  to  the  j>arlor  to  bid  farewelJ 
to  several  of  the  brethren  who  yet  remained. 

"  We  shall  meet,  I  trust,  at  the  Anniversaries  in  New 
York,"  said  the  old  man,  "  but  we  will  not  see  George 
Vincent  there,  or  among  us  here  again;  he  is  among  the 
ritualists,  I  fear." 

"  Hi?  is  a  poetic,  sensitive  nature,"  said  Mr.  Thayer, 


220  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

•'  and  may  be  led  aside  by  the  music  and  display ;  but 
if  the  root  of  the  matter  is  in  him,  he  will  come  back 
to  us." 

"  It  has  been  a  precious  season,"  said  Dr.  Hastings ; 
"  for  the  Lord  has  been  in  our  midst  blessing  his  ser- 
vants :  may  it  be  seen  in  our  work  hereafter ! " 

The  gate  has  closed  upon  the  last  member ;  but  a  deep 
impression  has  been  made  by  the  visitation — Margaret, 
Allan,  and  Alice  partaking  largely  of  the  blessing,  and 
Warren  too  much  impressed  by  the  realities  of  true 
piety  to  make  any  remarks. 

"  What  a  holy  benediction  they  have  left  among  us ! " 
»aid  Alice,  as  the  last  one  bade  farewell.  "  It  seemed, 
ill  the  time,  just  like  the  walk  of  the  disciples  on  the 
way  to  Emmaus." 

"  And  so  it  was,  my  dear,"  said  the  father ;  "  for  we  all 
realized  that  Jesus  was  in  our  midst." 

"  Now  we  know,  papa,  what  the  disciples  meant  when 
they  asked  that  question." 

"What  question,  Alice?" 

"  '  Did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us,  while  he  talked 
with  us  by  the  way  ? '  " 


CHAPTER  XVL 

SHACKLES   VerSIM  FREEDOM. 

"Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit;  but  try  the  spirits  whether  they 
»re  of  God." 

TTTARREN  is  eighteen,  quite  prepared  for  college, 
and  the  idea  of  a  first  separation  in  the  household 
is  beginning  to  sadden  the  spirits  of  its  members,  espe- 
cially of  Alice  ;  for  she  is  so  tenderly  beloved  by  her 
elder  brother.  But  the  world  is  beckoning  Warren 
away  from  Westbrook,  for  his  ambition  is  pointing  to 
the  metropolis :  there  he  hopes  to  realize  the  dreams  of 
the  Adirondacks  —  fame  being  his  idol  yet.  The  time  of 
separation  has  come  at  length,  and  tender  emotions  are 
filling  the  young  heart  with  sorrowful  images.  He  is 
passing  through  the  green  orchard,  where  he  has  spent 
so  many  happy  hours ;  and  sitting  down  a  moment  in 
the  summer-house,  the  soft  cooing  of  the  pigeons  in  the 
church  tower  are  drawing  tears  from  the  boy's  eyes,  who, 
looking  around  for  fear  of  observation,  proudly  dashes 
them  away ;  but  it  is  hard  to  keep  them  back,  as  he 
thinks  how  long  it  may  be  ere  he  sits  with  Alice  under 

the  green  trees,  calling  her  gentle  pets  around  her.     Now 
19*  221 


222  WESTBBOOK     PARSONAGE. 

he  is  in  the  room  under  the  gable  in  search  of  his  trunk, 
when  the  sight  of  the  old  pictures  of  Lady  Anne  and 
Sir  Charles  brings  back  the  days  of  childhood,  which 
Warren  feels  will  never  come  again. 

Strange  that  such  simple  things  should  stir  thesa 
human  hearts  so  deeply!  But  all  Warren's  emotions 
now  are  sorrowful,  for  he  is  not  leaving  an  ordinary 
home.  He  is  paying  his  last  visit  to  Little  Rugby,  and, 
with  Dr.  Arnold's  arm  around  his  waist,  he  is  pacing  the 
students'  walk  with  his  beloved  preceptor. 

"  You  are  going  into  new  scenes,  among  new  faces, 
Warren,"  said  his  friend.  "  Do  you  ever  think  of  the 
snares  of  college  life  ?  " 

"Yes,  Dr.  Arnold,  for  some;  but  I  go  for  study,  for 
improvement,  and  every  thing  will  bend  to  that  one 
object." 

"I  allude  to  the  snares  spread  around  you  by  new 
companions." 

"  I  am  not  likely  to  be  entrapped  by  the  dissolute,  Dr. 
Arnold :  my  pride  will  keep  me  aloof  from  them." 

"  Neither  am  I  afraid  of  that,  Warren  ;  but  you  wor- 
ship intellect,  and  will  be  drawn  to  that,  even  though  it 
is  openly  arrayed  against  the  truth." 

Warren  smiled  as  he  replied  :  "You  know  that  I  was 
always  fond  of  a  tilt  with  sharp  intellects,  and  have  a 
passion  for  mental  broadswords  yet.  I  can  never  make 
friends  with  shallow-brained  fops ;  and  if  I  meet  with 
superior  minds,  must  choose  such  companionship  " 


WESTBBOOK     PARSONAGE.  223 

"  They  are  dangerous,  Warren,  especially  to  biich  as 
you.  If  I  could  only  feel  that  you  were  settled  in 
your  religious  faith,  I  should  not  feel  so  many  mis- 
givings/'' 

"  I  don't  think  that  there  is  much  to  fear  in  my  case, 
doctor ;  for  although  I  have  often  been  tormented  with 
skeptical  doubts,  there  is  such  a  host  of  evidence  at  the 
dear  parsonage  and  Little  Rugby,  that  the  chambers  of 
my  brain  are  pretty  well  filled  with  able  defenders  of 
the  truth.  There  is  my  honored  father,  a  living  epistle 
himself;  my  beloved  mother,  with  her  saintly  life;  my 
sister  Margaret,  good,  precious  Allan,  and  my  darling 
Alice.  Why,  Dr.  Arnold,  these  blessed  faces  and  their 
holy  words  are  with  my  memory  always  —  the  trouble 
is  somewhere  else." 

"Yes,  Warren,  it  is  in  the  carnal  mind,  everywhere 
the  same  antagonist  of  spiritual  piety.  But  I  shall  re- 
member you,  my  boy,  every  night,  in  my  most  earnest 
prayers," 

"  You  will  let  me  hear  from  you,  Dr.  Arnold,"  said 
the  boy  ;  "  for,"  pointing  to  Little  Rugby,  "  g  )  where  I 
may,  that  will  be  my  Alm&,  Mater  still." 

Just  then,  Nan  came  running  out  with  a  needle-book 
made  by  her  own  hands,  to  offer  to  the  young  man.  It 
was  roughly  made,  for  she  was  only  just  learning  to  sew ; 
but  Warren  appreciated  the  motive,  and  thanked  the 
girl  heartily  for  her  little  gift. 

An  hour's  loving  counsel  and  prayer  was  spent  in  the; 


224  WESTBBOOK     PAESONAGE. 

study  with  the  good  pastor,  and  then  Alice  sent  for  her 
brother. 

"How  shall  I  do  without  you,  Warren?"  said  the 
sister,  as  she  folded  the  dear  hand  within  her  own.  "  But 
I  know  that  it  is  for  your  good  to  go  away,  and  I  try  to 
be  contented  ;  but  I  shall  think  of  you  every  morning 
and  evening  in  my  prayers,  Warren.  If  I  only  knew 
that  you  were  a  Christian,  parting  would  not  be  so  sad, 
for  then  I  should  know  that  God  was  taking  care  of 
you  :  but  out  of  Christ  He  is  a  consuming  fire." 

"I  am  not  such  a  terrible  sinner,  dear  little  sis. 
God  is  very  good  and  merciful,  and  he  will  not  deal 
hardly  with  one  who  wants  to  do  right." 

"  I  know  what  the  Bible  says,  Warren  :  '  Except  a 
man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of 
God."' 

It  is  the  last  morning  at  the  parsonage,  and  the  sub- 
ject is  the  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  "What"  have 
you  upon  the  subject,  Margaret  ?  "  inquired  her  father. 

"  *  If  ye,  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts 
unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly 
Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him?'" 

Warren  is  repeating  his  last  text  for  many  months, 
perhaps  never  again  to  join  in  the  holy  service ;  he  feels 
it  as  he  utters  slowly,  "'Which  things  also  we  speak, 
not  in  the  words  which  man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth,  comparing  spiritual 
things  with  spiritual.' " 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  226 

AJian,  too,  has  his:  "'But  God  hath  revealed  them 
unto  us  by  his  Spirit ;  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things, 
yea,  the  deep  things  of  God.' " 

Alice,  with  sweet,  low  tones,  repeats  the  blessed  words 
as  though  sht  knew  their  power  :  "  '  Likewise  the  Spirit 
also  helpeth  our  infirmities  ;  for  we  know  not  what  we 
should  pray  for  as  we  ought ;  but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh 
intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot  be 
uttered.' " 

Edward  follows  with  his :  " '  For  as  many  as  are  led 
by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God.' " 

"  I  have  a  prayer,"  said  Lucy.  " '  Create  in  me  a 
clean  heart,  O  God,  and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from 
me.' " 

"  Blessed,  precious  doctrine  ! "  said  the  pastor.  "  Whal 
should  we  be  in  this  dark,  benighted  world,  without  the 
light  divine?  Let  us  pray  that  each  member  of  our 
dear  household  may  receive  in  its  fulness  the  holy  gift." 

It  is  a  cold,  drizzly  morning,  and  Warren  feels  its 
dreariness,  as  passing  out  of  the  blessed  parsonage,  he  is 
slowly  walking  down  the  garden  path,  in  company  with 
Allan  and  his  father,  having  left  the  other  members  in 
the  house,  watching  his  retreating  footsteps  with  tearful 
eyes.  Drip — drip — drip  fall  the  raindrops,  not  only 
in  the  garden  path,  but  on  the  heart  in  harmony  now 
with  their  melancholy  measure. 

"  God  bless  you,  Warren,  my  son,"  said  the  pastor, 
P 


226  WESTBBOOK     PARSONAGE. 

taking  his  leave  at  the  gate.  "  Let  me  leave  a  text  with 
you :  '  Grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.' " 

Warren  is  gone,  and  the  last  farewell  is  spoken  at  the 
cars  by  Allan,  who  is  waiting  to  catch  the  last  glimpse 
as  the  train  rushes  by,  and  the  hand  waving  out  of  the 
window  is  answered  by  one  that  is  dashing  tears  away 
from  the  dark-blue  eyes. 

Warren  is  fairly  settled  at  college,  now,  much 
reopected  by  all  the  faculty,  for  he  is  a  fine  scholar,  ha.« 
a  brilliant  intellect,  high  principles,  and  a  warm,  impul- 
sive nature,  that  gathers  friends  around  him  ;  but  there 
is  still  the  same  repulsion  from  spiritual  piety,  for  he 
imagines  that  it  imposes  unnatural  restraints  upon  the 
free  spirit,  and  fetters  his  manliness  by  its  shackles ;  then 
his  aims  are  all  directed  to  the  distant  temple  of  fame, 
and  he  fears  that  many  of  its  requirements  would  clog 
his  footsteps  up  the  dizzy  height. 

There  is  a  debating  society  among  the  students,  and 
Warren  is  one  of  the  most  gifted  araong  its  members, 
always  defending  the  opposite  side  of  all  questions,  and 
taking  great  delight  in  demolishing  what  he  terms  the 
barricades  of  old-fogyism,  to  let  in  the  sunlight  of  philo- 
sophy and  science  ;  exercising  the  power  of  his  logic  on 
what  is  still  unsettled  in  his  own  mind. 

After  being  at  college  for  some  months,  there  comes 
along  a  travelling  evangelist — a  burning,  fiery  preacher, 
A-lio  has  obtained  permission  to  preach  to  the  students. 
Having  a  fine,  flexible  voice,  a  startling,  awakening  man 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  227 

ner,  an  expressive  eye,  and  great  command  of  language, 
he  exercises  a  powerful  influence  over  the  young,  in  his 
short  visitations.  But  few  sober-minded  Christians  de- 
sire the  return  of  Brother  Hellings,  for,  generally,  what 
seemed  for  awhile  to  be  the  result  of  the  Spirit's  power, 
proved  itself  to  have  been  wildfire,  burning  up  the  spirit- 
ual pastures.  But  a  first  visitation  always  creates  a  stir, 
and  his  violent  declamations  and  alarming  appeals,  ac- 
companied by  a  certain  sort  of  machinery,  awaken  terror 
and  a  slavish  kind  of  repentance.  He  is  in  the  habit  of 
proposing  certain  tests,  by  which  hearers  shall  express 
their  decision  on  the  great  subject  of  religion,  calling  on 
fhem  to  "  come  out  upon  the  Lord's  side,"  and  to  show 
that  by  arising — denouncing  those  who  remain  seated. 
Many  are  wrought  upon  by  these  measures,  but  not 
Warren  Hastings,  whose  strongest  feelings  of  repulsion 
were  aroused  by  these  violent  appeals.  One  evening, 
influenced  by  this  aversion,  he  arose  and  left  the  lecture- 
room,  and  as  he  walked  slowly  down  the  aisle,  the 
preacher  called  out :  "  There  goes  a  poor  sinner,  straight 
to ;  pray  for  him,  brethren." 

Warren  turned  round,  and  fixed  an  indignant  gaze 
upon  the  speaker,  and  then  passed  to  his  room,  more 
skeptical,  more  hardened  than  ever. 

Several  of  his  young  companions  were  led  hastily  to 
connect  themselves  with  Christian  churches,  but,  after 
the  lapse  of  a  few  weeks,  returned  to  their  former  course 
of  life,  excepting  three.  Very  unfortunate  that  Warren 


228  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Hastings  should  have  passed  through  such  a  season,  for, 
mingled  with  the  wildfire,  there  had  been  genuine  vis- 
itations of  the  Spirit,  for  warm-hearted  Christians  had 
implored  his  presence;  and  Warren,  in  repelling  the 
excesses  of  fanaticism,  may  have  grieved  the  Holy  Spirit 
of  God. 

Alice  frequently  writes  to  her  brother,  and  thus  tries 
to  keep  alive  in  his  bosom  the  impressions  of  his  child- 
hood's home.  She  has  his  picture  in  her  room,  among 
her  treasures,  and  counts  the  months  at  first,  and  now 
the  weeks,  ere  she  shall  see  the  dear  original. 

Warren  is  at  home  at  length,  and  Alice  tells  him  to 
stand  off,  that  she  may  look  at  the  tall  young  man  by 
her  side.  "  Why,  brother,  you  are  taller  than  papa,  I 
do  believe.  How  very  much  you  have  grown !  " 

"And  so  do  you,  little  sis.  Not  much  stouter,  darling, 
l)ut  certainly  taller.  But  papa  looks  very  frail,  Alice: 
how  is  he  now  ?  " 

"  Not  often  well,  Warren ;  but  you  never  hear  com- 
plaints from  our  dear  father.  But  what  kind  of  a  min- 
ister was  that  at  the  college,  brother,  that  made  such  a 
stir?" 

"  One  of  the  ranting  order,  Alice,  that  could  never 
have  any  effect  upon  me.  I  listened,  sister,  'and  thought 
of  the  sermon  on  the  mount,  and  finding  no  resemblance, 
I  turned  away  disgusted ;  but  I  met  him  in  the  street,  one 
day  after  that,  and  I  wish  that  papa  could  have  heard 
him  send  me  to  perdition :  so  much  for  Brother  Hellings. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  229 

"  What  about  that  debating  society,  Warren  ?  I  hope 
that  they  do  not  attack  the  blessed  Bible." 

"  It  is  a  society  that  does  its  own  thinking,  Alice.  I 
suppose  that  papa  and  Dr.  Arnold  would  sometimes  be 
shocked  to  hear  some  of  the  debates ;  but  though  I  like 
the  excitement  of  argument,  it  does  not  follow  that  I 
adopt  all  their  notions :  still,  I  must  own,  that  freedom 
from  mental  shackles  is  very  agreeable.  I  shall  come 
out  right,  yet,  Alice,  but  every  step  of  the  way  must  be 
thoroughly  examined." 

Alice  looked  troubled,  and  said  meekly:  "I  don't 
understand  all  that  you  say,  Warren,  but  I  wish  that 
you  knew  how  blessed  it  is  to  feel  the  precious  words : 
'  Lord,  I  believe ;  help  thou  my  unbelief.'  " 

Warren  stooped  down  to  kiss  the  saintly  face,  saying : 
"  Darling  little  sis,  don't  be  troubled  about  brother  War- 
ren, when  the  defences  of  the  parsonage  are  all  around 
him." 

He  is  to  spend  part  of  his  vacation  in  New  York,  with 
Uncle  Richard,  his  mother's  youngest  brother :  accord- 
ingly we  find  him  domesticated  with  the  Warren  house- 
hold. The  females  are  devoted  members  of  St.  Aga- 
pius' ;  his  aunts,  Gertrude  and  Helen,  no  longer  young, 
spend  their  days  in  a  round  of  religious  observances, 
dwarfing,  not  developing  the  Christian  life.  Warren  has 
promised  to  go  with  them  to  church  on  the  following 
Sunday. 

"  There  is  nothing  in  the  external  or  internal  appear- 
20 


230  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

ance  of  St.  Agapius'  unlike  other  Episcopal  churches, 
until  you  come  to  the  chancel.  This  is  decidedly 
Romish  in  all  its  arrangements.  In  fact,  there  is  no  dif- 
ference to  be  distinguished.  First,  there  are  three  steps 
to  the  altar.  This  altar  is  the  same  in  size  and  form  as 
that  of  the  Church  of  Rome ;  it  is  covered  with  a  dark- 
colored  cloth,  with  a  large  cross  embroidered  on  it ;  the 
top  is  covered  with  red  velvet  and  fringe.  On  it  is  the 
altar-service,  on  a  stand  similar  to  that  used  in  the 
Mass,  and  something  very  like  a  pyx,  a  box,  it  seemed 
to  me,  covered  with  a  dark  cloth,  and  emblazoned  with 
a  cross.  Behind  this  altar  is  a  screen,  with  a  deep  ledge, 
and  on  this  ledge,  and  directly  back  of  the  altar,  is  a 
large  silver  cross.  This  cross  is  flanked  by  two  gilt 
vases,  which  seemed  to  me  to  contain  artificial  flowers. 
On  either  side  of  the  vases  are  two  very  tall  candle- 
sticks, with  candles  ;  and  on  each  side  of  these,  three 
other  candlesticks  and  candles,  much  smaller. 

"At  half-past  ten,  a  man  in  a  surplice  placed  himself 
at  the  organ.  A  hymn  was  started,  and  taken  up  by 
boys'  voices  in  the  vestry-room.  Soon  the  sound  became 
more  audible,  and  lo !  there  issued  from  the  vestry,  first 
a  small  boy,  in  a  cassock  and  surplice,  bearing  a  large 
wooden  cross,  I  should  think  about  six  feet  long ;  then 
followed  some  dozen  little  boys,  with  folded  hands  ;  then 
a  few  men,  all  in  short  surplices  and  cassocks,  and  finally, 
the  ministers ;  one  in  a  white  robe,  which  reached  to 
about  the  knees,  with  a  black  cassock  beneath  ;  and  the 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  231 

:>ther  with  a  white  garment,  of  about  the  same  length, 
but  tied  about  the  waist  with  a  cord ;  both  wore  black 
scarfs.  The  procession  moved  slowly  up  to  the  altar, 
singing  —  I  know  not  what.  The  singers  filed  off  to  their 
sedilia ;  the  head  priest  knelt  at  the  rail,  with  a  little 
boy  on  either  side,  and  directly  behind  him  knelt  the 
other  priest.  This  latter  then  commenced  to  intone  the 
Litany.  Directly  after  the  Litany,  the  head  priest 
arose,  and,  for  the  first  time,  turning  toward  the  people, 
said  that  the  Fourth  Selection  of  Psalms  would  be  sung. 
Then  the  two  priests  retired.  A  young  acolyte  entered, 
and  proceeded  to  light  the  eight  candles,  and,  after  bow- 
ing to  the  altar,  retired.  The  two  priests  returned,  and 
now  the  celebrant  wore  a  white  robe,  reaching  a  little 
below  the  knee,  and  apparently  covering  a  black  cas- 
sock —  over  the  white  robe,  a  cape  or  cloak,  of  dark 
color,  embroidered  before  and  behind  with  a  white  cross. 
With  folded  hands,  and  on  either  side  a  small,  surpliced 
boy,  he  entered  the  chancel,  and,  mounting  the  steps, 
stood  before  the  altar,  and,  of  course,  with  his  back  to 
the  people,  and  reverently  bowed  to  the  altar :  so  did  the 
boys,  and  so  did  the  second  priest,  who  stood  on  his  right, 
two  steps  below,  and  who  had  changed  his  stole,  so  that 
now  it  was  passed  over  his  left  shoulder  and  under  hia 
right  arm. 

"  The  chief  minister  then  commenced  the  ante-com- 
munion service,  turning  his  face  to  the  people  when  he 
read  the  Commandments,  and  the  a  immediately  back 


232  WESTBROOK     PAKSONAGE. 

again  to  his  former  position,  where  he  remained,  while 
the  second  priest  read  the  Epistle  on  the  right  and  the 
Gospel  on  the  left  of  the  altar.  After  the  Gospel,  the 
Nicene  Creed  was  sung,  all  facing  the  altar.  At  the 
words,  '  I  look  for  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,'  the 
priests,  boys,  choir,  and  many  in  the  congregation 
crossed  themselves.  The  junior  priest  preached  a  ser- 
mon. He  distinctly  told  them  that  the  only  way  to  rk1 
themselves  of  unbelief  and  doubt  was  the  Holy  Catholic 
Church;  and  if  they  inquired  what  was  the  Catholic 
Church,  he  would  give  them  three  tests  —  Universality, 
Antiquity,  and  Consent.  Not  a  word  of  Christ  as  the 
way,  the  truth,  and  the  life.  Nothing  but  implicit  faith 
iu  Holy  Mother  Church.  A  more  thoroughly  Romish 
discourse  cannot  be  imagined. 

"  After  this  sad  exhibition  of  a  distorted  Gospel,  th« 
mummery  recommenced.  The  alms  were  then  collected, 
and  then  the  little  boys  brought  the  cup  and  wine  from 
the  credence  table.  There  was  no  'fair  white  linen 
cloth '  on  the  table,  as  the  rubric  plainly  directs.  The 
wine  and  bread  being  upon  the  altar,  the  little  boy8 
brought  to  the  priest  water  and  a  napkin,  with  which 
he  washed  his  hands.  Then  was  intoned  the  prayer  for 
the  Church  Militant,  after  which  the  second  priest,  facing 
the  congregation,  read  the  invitation ;  and  at  the  words, 
'  with  the  Father,'  &c.,  he  wheeled  about  and  faced  the 
altar.  At  the  Confession,  both  priests  prostrated  them- 
selves before  the  altar,  almost  to  the  floor.  In  pro- 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  233 

nouncing  the  declaration  of  absolution,  the  head  priest 
made  the  sign  of  the  cross.  The  service  then  proceeded 
as  usual  to  the  prayer  of  consecration.  Standing  before 
the  altar,  the  priest  began  the  prayer  of  consecration  in 
a  very  subdued  voice.  When  he  came  to  the  words, 
'  Take,  eat :  this  is  my  body/  he  paused,  changed  his 
voice  and  said  them  in  a  whisper ;  then  paused  again  ; 
then  bowed  his  head,  and  then  actually  elevated  the 
bread,  and  the  people  bowed  their  heads.  The  same 
thing  was  done  with  the  cup ;  it  was  elevated,  and  the 
people  bowed  again.  Then  once  more  prostrating  them- 
selves before  the  altar,  the  priest  communed.  After 
this,  he  delivered  the  bread — not  to  his  assistant,  nor  to 
the  other  minister  at  the  rails,  as  the  rubric  directs  — but 
to  the  two  little  boys ;  actually  putting  the  bread  into 
their  mouths  and  pouring  in  the  wine.  Then  he  gave 
the  elements  to  the  clergymen  at  the  rails.  The  two 
celebrants  then  faced  the  people,  one  elevating  the  bread 
and  the  other  the  cup,  as  high  as  their  eyes.  The  priest 
who  delivered  the  bread,  first  made  a  sign  of  the  cross 
with  it  to  each  communicant.  The  one  who  bore  the 
cup  did  not  deliver  it  at  all  to  the  communicant,  but 
poured  the  wine  into  his  mouth.  While  this  was  going 
on,  the  organist  was  performing  a  voluntary.  After  ail 
had  communed,  the  head  priest  proceeded  to  consume 
all  the  bread  that  was  left  and  to  drink  the  wine.  The 
little  boys  then  brought  him  two  small  silver  pitchers, 
and  as  he  held  the  cup  alternately  poured  what  I  sup- 
20* 


434         WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

posed  to  have  been  water,  for  the  priest  thereupon  shook 
the  cup,  after  the  manner  of  Rome,  and  drank  the  con- 
tents. This  was  done  three  times,  and  the  cup  was  re- 
turned to  the  table,  covered  with  a  black  cloth,  and  by 
the  boy  removed  to  the  side-table.  In  dismissing  the 
people,  the  sign  of  the  cross  was  used ;  after  which,  the 
procession  moved  slowly  out  —  the  cross-bearer  first,  the 
boys  next,  the  priests  last,  singing,  as  when  they  came 
in,  and  bowing  to  the  altar  as  they  passed."  * 

And  now  let  us  inquire,  is  this  indeed  our  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  ?  Are  these  things  to  be  tolerated 
within  it  ?  Have  they  any  countenance  in  the  laws  of 
the  Church  ?  Without  law  and  against  law,  shall  they 
be  neglected  as  harmless  absurdities  ?  Or  shall  they  be 
put  down  as  pernicious  superstitions  ? 

Warren  looked  and  listened,  an  expression  of  intense 
contempt  resting  upon  his  face,  while  he  contrasted  the 
mummeries  of  St.  Agapius'  with  the  dignified  and  rever- 
ential worship  at  St.  Barnabas',  wondering  how  any  one 
could  offer  such  a  service  of  incense,  flowers,  lights,  atti- 
tudes, and  vestments  to  the  great  and  glorious  God,  who 
fills  the  universe  with  his  presence,  and  requires  from 
man  the  prostration  of  his  spirit,  and  not  the  mere  will- 
worship  of  the  body. 

"  Is  that  Protestant  worship,  Aunt  Gertrude  ?  "  said 
Warren,  when  they  met  at  the  dinner-table. 

*  Quoted  literally  from  a  clergyman's  descr'ption  of  public  worship 
in  an  Episcopal  church. 


WESTBROOX     PARSONAGE.  235 

"  That  is  Catholic  worship,  Warren ;  we  do  not  own 
the  name  of  Protestant." 

"  And  you  really  believe  that  these  childish  mum- 
meries are  acceptable  to  the  great  and  holy  God.  ?  " 

"  Why  not,  Warren  ?  they  all  have  a  deep  and  sacred 
meaning,  all  connected  with  some  doctrine  of  the  Holy 
Catholic  Church." 

"  Oh,  yes,  I  perceive  that  the  one  central  idea  of  God's 
especial  presence  at  what  you  term  the  altar,  is  the  rea- 
son of  all  that  bowing  and  wheeling  round,  and  genu- 
flections innumerable." 

"  You  have  the  idea  exactly,  Warren; that  is  what  we 
really  believe :  hence  the  altar,  the  lights,  the  vest- 
ments." 

Warren  started  to  his  feet,  and  throwing  up  his  hand, 
said  excitedly :  "  This  is  the  way  you  make  infidels.  Men 
of  free,  expansive  intellects  are  not  to  be  trammelled  with 
such  baby-shows  in  the  house  of  God.  Rather  would  I 
follow  Colenso  in  his  rationalism,  than  be  bound  soul, 
fast  in  such  shackles  of  superstitious  mummery ! " 

"  You  shock  me, Warren,"  said  his  grandma,  "to  speak 
so  freely  of  the  mysteries  of  our  holy  religion  —  don't 
let  me  hear  it  again,  I  beseech  you." 

Unfortunate  again  that  Warren  Hastings  should  have 
been  thrown  into  such  an  atmosphere  of  puerile  Chris- 
tianity, with  all  his  doubts  and  questions,  and  unsettled 
faith.  First,  into  the  region  of  fanaticism  at  college,  and 
uow  into  the  cloisters  of  superstition.  Verily  the  bayo- 


236  WESTBBOOK     PARSONAGE. 

nets  of  unbelief  were  bristling  now  on  every  parapet  of 
the  citadel. 

The  ladies  are  alone  after  dinner. 

"  Was  not  that  shocking,  sister  ? "  said  Gertrude 
Warren.  "  1  do  believe  that  our  nephew  is  an  infidel." 

He  too  is  alone  at  night,  and  the  morning  texts  one 
'by  one  come  over  his  waking  dreams,  as  his  thoughts  fly 
back  to  the  dear  parsonage  and  the  epistles  written 
there. 

"  I  can  never  be  an  infidel,"  said  Warren,  "  so  long  as 
I  remember  the  powerful  preaching  of  that  home  circle; 
but  I  can  never  be  the  slave  of  superstition,  nor  the 
puppet  of  fanaticism." 

Under  the  influence  of  powerful  habit,  Warren 
repeated  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  even  the  time-honored 
"  Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep,"  ere  he  closed  his  eyes  in 
plumber. 

Strange  that  such  a  captious  nature  should  yet  retain 
so  much  of  the  spirit  of  a  child. 

A  mother's  love  had  fashioned  the  shield  of  these  few 
simple  words  of  trust  and  love,  and  as  Warren  repeated 
them  so  far  from  home,  other  hearts  at  the  parsonage 
were  remembering  him  in  their  nightly  prayers. 

He  cannot  always  restrain  the  expressions  of  contempt 
which  are  daily  awakened  by  the  employments  of  his 
aunts,  who  spend  much  of  their  precious  time  in  em- 
broidering priests'  vestments  and  church  decorations. 

"Where    is   the  priests'   millinery -shop,  Aunt  Ger- 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  237 

trude?"  said  her  nephew, one  morning;  "I should  really 
like  to  have  a  peep ;  for  last  Sunday,  at  church,  I  heard 
a  young  lady  say,  '  What  a  love  of  an  opera-cloak  that 
would  be ! '  and  only  think !  she  was  speaking  of  the 
priest's  alb." 

"  I  wish  that  you  would  not  indulge  in  such  profane 
talk,  Warren,"  said  his  aunt ;  "  you  really  have  no  rever- 
ence in  your  composition." 

"  I  own  that  I  have  not  a  whit,  Aunt  Gertrude,  for 
alb  and  maniple ;  for  dalmatic  and  tunic ;  for  chasuble 
and  gremial  and  chirothecse ;  but  I  have  for  the  great 
and  holy  God,  who  must  look  upon  these  things  with 
supreme  contempt  at  folly  like  theirs." 

Repelled  by  the  excesses  at  St.  Agapius',  Warren  ia 
led  about  by  Uncle  Richard  among  his  own  acquaint- 
ances, where  he  meets  congenial  minds,  and  rejoices  in 
what  he  esteems  freedom  from  religious  shackles.  He 
has  met  too  with  his  schoolmates  —  Harry  and  George 
Seymour — rapidly  reaching  the  end  of  their  ambition  ; 
occupying  apartmentsat  the  Metropolitan,  the  onedriving 
a  splendid  carriage  and  pair,  moving  in  the  higher  cir- 
cles of  Upper-Tendom,  wearing  on  his  young  face  marks 
of  fast  living  ;  and  the  other  already  dabbling  in  stocks 
and  preparing  to  enter  the  arena  with  the  bulls  and 
bears  of  Wall  Street  as  soon  as  he  is  of  age:  both 
bearing  marks  of  discontent  and  ennui ;  for  they  are 
feeding  on  the  ashes  of  worldliness  ;  and  when  did  that 
ever  satisfy  the  cravings  of  an  immortal  spirit? 


238  WESTBROOK    PA  II  SON  AGE. 

Warren  is  at  home  again,  with  accounts  of  St. 
Agapius'  that  sometimes  amuse,  but  most  generally 
sadden  the  good  pastor  of  St.  Barnabas'.  Warren  can 
scarcely  analyze  his  present  emotions,  there  are  so  many 
of  the  seeds  of  divine  truth  floating  about  in  the  intellect. 
But  should  convictions  of  personal  transgression  once 
disturb  the  present  security,  then  will  he  learn  to  wel- 
come the  only  remedy  for  a  sin-sick  soul. 

He  is  at  college  again,  and  the  household  at  St.  Bar- 
nabas' return  to  their  usual  avocations  —  not,  however, 
with  the  same  tranquil  spirit  of  repose ;  for  there  are 
marks  of  debility  about  Dr.  Hastings  that  cause  the 
loving  hearts  there  to  send  up  to  heaven  many  a  silent 
prayer  for  restoration. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

THE   MISSION   OVER   THE   HTLI* 

"  To  the  poor  is  the  Gospel  preached." 

*"MHREE  miles  from  Westbrook  there  is  juite  a  grow- 
-•-  ing  settlement  at  the  Iron  Foundery  ;  but  there  are 
no  means  of  grace  within  reach,  and  on  Sundays,  tbt 
men  are  lounging  about  the  porches  of  the  little  drink 
*  ing-shops;  the  women  gossiping  from  house  to  house  m 
dirty,  slatternly  dress,  and  the  children  roving  where  they 
please,  undisciplined,  untamed,  untaught.  Dr.  Arnold 
had  discovered  this  in  one  of  his  rides  with  Margaret 
Hastings  ;  for  it  is  generally  understood,  now,  that  the 
pastor's  daughter  is  likely  to  be  the  life-companion  of 
the  master  of  Little  Rugby. 

Very  tender  and  holy  is  the  affection  bestowed  upon 
Margaret  by  the  good  man,  and  very  sweet  and  reveren 
tial  that  cherished  in  her  heart  of  hearts  for  Richard 
Arnold,  two  qualities  insuring  happiness  in  the  marriage 
relation. 

"  Let  us  stop  a  moment,"  said  Dr.  Arnold,  in  one  of 
these  rides  ;  and  calling  a  little  white-haired  boy  to  the 
side  of  the  carriage,  he  said:  "Have  you  any  schooj 

here,  my  little  man  ?  " 

289 


240  WE STB ROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  Nara  one,"  said  the  boy. 

"  Can  any  of  you  read  ?  " 

"  Jest  a  few,  sir ;  but  the  fellows  don't  care  —  it 's  first 
rate  to  run  about  all  day.  We  go  a-fishing  and  a-bird's- 
nesting  —  and  something  else  sometimes,  when  the  hens 
lay  a  good  lot." 

"  Do  you  like  pretty  pictures  ?  " 

"  First  rate.     Have  you  got  any  ?  " 

"  Yes,  plenty  of  them,  my  little  friend ;  and  it  you  '11 
just  get  together  your  little  friends  next  Sunday  about 
two  o'clock,  under  that  big  tree,  we  '11  come  and  bring 
you  plenty." 

"We'll  be  there — never  fear,  sir." 

The  carriage  drove  off,  and  Dr.  Arnold  said :  "  Here 
is  plenty  of  work  for  the  Pastor's  Aid  —  we  must  take 
possession  at  once.  Will  you  come,  Margaret  ?  " 

"  Gladly,"  was  the  reply.  "  I  should  like  to  labor 
among  these  ignorant  people.  Let  us  see,  how  many 
fia  we  count  upon?  There  are  Allan,  Archie  Mur- 
ray, Sarah  Lacey,  and  you  and  I  —  there  are  five  at 
once." 

"  Sister  Mary  will  come  too,  for  she  has  no  engage- 
ment on  Sunday  afternoon." 

Alice  was  delighted  to  hear  of  the  oew  work. 

"  I  cannot  go,  sister,"  said  the  young  girl ;  "  but  I  can 
help  too.  I  can  pray  at  home  that  God  would  bless 
you,  and  I  can  help  make  clothing  for  the  poor  things 
when  the  cold  weather  comes.  It  shall  be  under  the 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  241 

care  of  the  Pastor's  Aid,  Margaret ;  and  I  know  that  it 
will  do  good  among  the  people." 

"Dr.  Arnold  thought  of  it  first,  Alice,  for  he  is 
always  looking  out  for  work  in  the  Master's  cause.  I 
.hope  that  it  won't  be  too  much  for  him ;  teaching  all  the 
week  —  Bible-class  Sunday  morning,  and  now  this  added 
work :  but  he  says  '  it  is  better  to  wear  out  than  to  rust 
out.' "  And  tears  filled  Margaret's  eyes  as  she  continued : 
"Don't  let  us  talk  of  that,  Alice." 

Sunday  came,  and  Margaret  and  the  Doctor  first  went 
alone  to  spy  out  the  field.  Stopping  at  the  appointed 
place,  the  little  white-haired  boy  and  two  others  only 
were  in  waiting. 

"  Not  very  encouraging,"  said  Margaret,  as  she 
alighted  from  the  carriage. 

Followed  by  the  Doctor,  who  placed  two  camp-stools 
under  the  tree,  she  took  her  seat  on  one,  and,  while  her 
companion  was  fastening  the  horse,  entered  into  conver- 
sation with  little  Dick,  for  that  was  his  name. 

Then  Dr.  Arnold,  accompanied  by  Margaret's  sweet 
voice,  began  to  sing  the  words  of  a  hymn,  and  from 
several  points  they  perceived  the  rude  children  approach- 
ing, attracted  by  the  music. 

By  this  time,  about  ten  had  gathered  under  the  large 
tree,  and  Dr.  Arnold  unfolded  his  roll  of  pictures,  large 
and  showy,  with  abundant  matter  of  instruction  —  the 
children  all  held  in  mute  attention  as  he  talked  to  then) 

in  such  deep,  impressive  tones  of  voice. 
21  Q 


242  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

At  the  close  he  gave  to  each  astonished  child  one  of 
the  bright  pictures. 

"  Is  this  mine  to  keep  ? "  said  little  Dick. 

"  And  mine,  too  ?  "  said  another,  and  another. 

"  Yes,  my  little  friends;  and  if  you  '11  come  next  Sun 
day,  we  will  bring  some  more." 

"  That  we  will ! "  cried  out  every  voice. 

And  so  the  work  grew  around  them. 

"  Sometimes  it  may  rain,  boys,"  said  the  teacher, 
"and  I  think  we  must  have  a  room  now;"  for  about 
twenty  were  in  regular  attendance. 

"We  like  the  green  trees  best,"  said  the  children. 
"  We  don't  want  to  be  shut  up  in  a  hot  room." 

On  making  inquiries,  it  was  found  that  there  was  a 
long  room  in  the  second  story  of  one  of  the  buildings 
formerly  used  by  the  workmen,  but  now  unoccupied. 

It  was  very  gloomy  now ;  and,  being  filled  with  lumber 
and  dirt,  Margaret  shrank  back  at  first  from  such  an 
uninviting  place. 

"We  can  make  it  bright  and  cheerful,"  said  the 
Doctor ;  "  it  has  plenty  of  windows :  remove  the  lumber, 
bring  in  plenty  of  soap,  water,  and  whitewash,  and  some 
good  Sunday-school  furniture,  and  we  '11  scarcely  know 
the  place.  The  main  thing,  now,  is  to  secure  the  room. 
I  '11  come  up  to-morrow,  after  school,  and  see  Mr.  Stone : 
the  rest  will  be  easy  enough." 

The  room  was  found  to  be  at  his  disposal,  rent  free. 
Margaret  and  Sarah  Lacey  came  up  to  oversee  the  clean- 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  24S 

ing;  Dr.  Arnold  followed  with  a  few  forms,  chairs,  and 
tables  that  had  just  been  removed  from  the  Sunday- 
school  room  of  St.  Barnabas',  to  make  room  for  new 
ones,  and  the  work  went  gayly  on :  the  only  objection 
was,  that  the  entrance  was  from  a  staircase  outside  of 
the  building. 

By  Sunday  afternoon,  a  cheerful  company  of  twenty- 
five  children  took  possession  of  the  room,  and  Allan, 
Archie  Murray,  Sarah  Lacey,  and  Mary  Arnold  joined 
the  laborers. 

The  school  continued  to  increase,  and  Dr.  Hastings 
opened  a  Thursday-night  service  for  the  people.  So 
much  had  their  children  improved  under  the  care  of 
their  faithful  teachers,  that  the  parents  were  ready  to 
seek  some  of  the  benefits  of  the  mission.  It  was  telling 
upon  the  neighborhood,  in  the  cleanliness  and  orderly 
deportment  of  the  children,  the  neatness  and  industry  of 
the  mothers,  and  the  increasing  desire  of  many  to  hear 
the  precious  Gospel ;  for  good  news  of  salvation,  through 
a  crucified  Redeemer,  did  Dr.  Hastings  carry  weekly  to 
the  people. 

It  is  considered  a  branch  of  the  Pastor's  Aid ;  and 
Bending  its  reports  monthly  to  the  parsonage,  Alice  feels 
herself  one  of  its  members,  aiding  by  her  prayers,  her 
little  notes,  and  the  labor  of  her  hands. 

Father  Morgan  is  ready  with  his  means  to  aid  the 
good  work ;  but  Mrs.  Sherwood  cannot  step  out  of  the 
hard  shell  of  ritualism,  for  she  says  candidly  that  she 


244  WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE. 

has  heard  that  teachers  of  other  sects  labor  there,  and 
she  cannot  think  it  right  to  aid  irregular  proceedings. 

It  is  the  blessed  hour  of  morning  prayer  at  the  par- 
sonage, where  the  daily  manna  falls  from  heaven  around 
the  dwelling.  It  has  been  a  singularly  happy,  unbroken 
family,  for  they  have,  as  yet,  lost  but  one  little  lamb 
from  the  household  circle ;  but  the  changing  seasons  now 
come  fraught  with  whispering  voices  to  every  loving 
heart,  which,  as  yet,  they  scarcely  breathe  to  each  other. 
There  are  marks  about  the  beloved  pastor  of  St.  Barna- 
bas', too  plain  to  be  mistaken  —  with  every  autumn,  an 
increase  of  cough,  debility,  and  waste  of  flesh,  that  are 
not  repaired  when  the  spring  birds  sing  on  the  trees 
around  the  dwelling.  Very,  very  slow  is  the  change  ; 
but  the  faithful  pastor  labors  on  with  an  eye  to  the  great 
account,  and  a  heart  fixed  on  heaven. 

The  Sherwoods  are  intimate  at  the  parsonage ;  for 
although  so  different  in  religious  faith,  there  are  many 
mutual  points  of  attraction.  There  are  no  young  com 
panions  that  suit  Agnes  so  well  as  the  Hastings  children. 
All?.n  and  she  are  especially  congenial,  for  they  both 
love  music,  poetry,  and  flowers,  and  these  tastes  are 
abundantly  gratified  at  Englesby  Terrace.  Then,  she  is 
such  a  dutiful,  affectionate  child  to  her  widowed  mother, 
so  generous  in  her  charities,  and  gentle  in  her  manners, 
that  she  has  endeared  herself  to  every  member  of  the 
family  at  the  parsonage.  But  she  has  been  absent  now 
two  days,  and  Margaret  has  stepped  over  to  inquire  the 


WESTBROOK     PABSONAOE.  245 

reason .  The  servant  met  her  at  the  door,  with  the  in- 
telligence that  Agnes  was  very  sick  with  fever,  that 
seemed  daily  on  the  increase,  and  the  mother  was  begin- 
ning to  feel  greatly  alarmed. 

From  day  to  day  there  is  no  improvement ;  and  Mrs. 
Hastings  spends  much  of  her  time  with  the  afflicted 
mother,  sitting  up  at  night,  and  comforting  her  with  her 
sympathy  and  her  prayers.  Sweet  Agnes  Sherwood  is 
very  ill,  her  young  life  hanging  upon  a  slender  thread. 
Dr.  Hastings  is  a  daily  visitor,  and  although  Agnes  is 
herself  unconscious,  his  holy,  heavenly  prayers  are  such 
a  source  of  strength  and  comfort  to  the  mother !  Mr. 
Moncrief  is  faithful,  too ;  but  in  this  hour  of  heavy  trial, 
she  needs  the  strong  arm  of  Christ  himself  to  lean  upon, 
and  this  she  feels  always  after  a  visit  from  Dr.  Hastings. 

Agnes  is  spared  to  their  prayers,  and  the  mother  is 
bound  now  to  the  family  at  the  parsonage  with  enduring 
ties,  which  time  can  never  break. 

"  It  was  a  great  comfort,"  said  the  mother,  "  to  know 
that  Agnes  had  been  confirmed  so  early — was  a  regular 
communicant,  and  a  member  of  the  true  Church  of 
Christ;  for  I  was  sure  that  if  she  were  removed  from 
earth,  it  would  be  to  go  home  to  heaven." 

"  Not  on  this  account,  my  dear  friend,"  said  Dr.  Hast- 
ings ;  "  for  many  a  deluded  soul  may  have  travelled  ex- 
actly such  a  road,  and  have  no  well-grounded  hope  of 

heaven :  not  that  I  would  imply  such  a  thing  with  regard 

21* 


246  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

to  your  precious  child,  who  seems  to  have  a  simple  trust 
in  Jesus,  that  He  will  never  disappoint." 

Agnes  had  a  good  constitution,  and  recovered  rapidly. 
It  was  a  happy  day  when,  leaning  upon  Margaret's  arm, 
she  was  once  more  in  the  midst  of  the  family  circ'e  at 
the  parsonage. 

"We  shall  have  our  pleasant  rambles  again,"  said 
Allan.  "You  don't  know,  Agnes,  how  I  have  missed 
you,  in  these  long  weeks  of  anxiety.  I  have  been  learn- 
ing some  new  music  on  purpose  for  you." 

"  Let  me  hear  it,  Allan,"  said  the  young  girl. 

"  The  old  times  are  back  again,"  said  Alice ;  "  how 
thankful  we  should  be ! " 

Early  next  morning,  Agnes  was  taking  her  usual 
walk :  passing  by  the  parsonage,  the  sweet  sound  of  the 
morning  hymn  held  her  spell-bound  for  a  moment ;  and 
then  quietly  stepping  in,  she  joined  the  family  at  their 
daily  worship.  A  slight  moving  on  the  part  of  Marga- 
ret left  a  chair  between  herself  and  Allan,  which  Agnes 
took,  listening  with  great  interest  to  the  repetition  of  the 
daily  texts. 

Turning  to  the  visitor,  the  pastor  said,  "  Our  subject 
to-day,  Agnes,  is  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit.  Margaret 
will  give  me  her  text." 

"  '  But  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long- 
BuSering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness,  temper- 
ance :  against  such  there  is  no  law.'  " 

Allan  is  ready  with  his : 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  247 

"'For  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  in  all  goodness  and 
righteousness  and  truth.'  " 

"I  have  one,  papa,"  said  Alice:  "'For  they  that 
are  after  the  flesh,  do  mind  the  things  of  the  flesh ; 
but  they  that  are  after  the  Spirit,  the  things  of  the 
Spirit.' " 

Edward  is  repeating  his : 

" '  For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage 
again  to  fear  ;  but  ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adop- 
tion, whereby  we  cry  Abba,  Father.'  " 

"  Now  I  am  ready  for  Lucy's." 

" '  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit, 
that  we  are  the  children  of  God.'  " 

"  Now  you  see,  my  dear  children,"  said  the  pastor, 
"  that  all  these  passages  refer  to  something  going  on  in 
the  soul,  between  itself  and  its  God ;  not  connected 
here  with  ordinances,  although,  when  they  are  used  in 
faith,  conveying  great  blessings,  the  act  that  appropriates 
them  being  faith  in  the  believer ;  the  agent  that  gives 
them  any  efficacy,  the  Spirit  of  God." 

The  words  were  interrupted  by  a  fit  of  coughing,  a 
sharp  pang  seizing  every  heart  as  they  listened  to  the 
warning  voice. 

Agnes  pondered  the  words  of  that  morning  service 
attentively,  and  as  she  walked  home  she  thought  how 
different  were  the  two  systems  of  doctrine  at  St. 
Gregory's  and  St.  Barnabas'.  Which  was  in  accordance 
with  God's  word  ?  she  was  mentally  ask  ing  daily. 


248  WE8TBEOOK    PARSONAGE. 

Mr.  Moncrief  is  not  able  to  preach  more  than  once  a 
day  for  a  short  time,  and  much  to  Dr.  Hastings  surprise, 
he  is  invited  to  fill  the  pulpit  in  the  afternoon. 

"  Shall  I  go  or  not  ?  "  inquired  the  pastor  of  himself. 
"  If  I  go,  it  may  be  regarded  as  thinking  lightly  of  the 
practices  there ;  but  then  I  can  preach  the  simple  Gospel 
to  people  who  hear  about  nothing  but  the  Church." 

The  invitation  was  accepted,  and  we  find  Dr.  Hast- 
ings in  the  midst  of  ritualism — the  processional  music, 
praying  to  the  east,  bowing  in  the  Glorias,  strange  vest- 
ments, lights  and  incense,  all  so  offensive  to  his  pure 
Protestant  principles ;  but  he  preached  a  glorious  ser- 
mon, justification  by  faith  only  being  his  subject  —  and 
preached  it  boldly  at  St.  Gregory's.  Dr.  Hastings  was 
painfully  impressed  by  the  whole  service,  and  in  the 
vestry-room  affectionately  entered  his  solemn  protest. 
Laying  his  hand  upon  Mr.  Moncrief  s  shoulder,  he  said : 
"  It  was  hard  to  realize  that  the  new  additions  heaped 
upon  our  old  majestic  forms  could  possibly  be  the  same." 

"We  don't  wish  them  to  continue  the  same,"  replied 
the  rector;  "we  are  growing  weary  of  the  bold  and  vul- 
gar exhibitions  of  Protestant  individualism,  real  Puri- 
tanism, and  are  going  to  restore  the  good  old  Catholic 
faith  through  the  Catholic  ritual." 

"You  will  not  stop  there,"  continued  the  good  pastor; 
"whatever  endangers  the  doctrine  of  justification  by 
faith  leads  direct  to  Rome." 

"  I  must  own  that  I  prefer  Rome  to  Geneva,"  replied 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  249 

Mr.  Moncrief.  "  I  know  of  no  regeneration  but  that  in 
baptism,  and  rejoice  in  the  doctrine  of  the  presence  in  the 
Holy  Eucharist  as  the  very  food  that  the  soul  craves." 

"  What  then  becomes  of  the  Articles  in  our  Book  of 
Common  Prayer  ?  " 

"  There  is  our  trouble,"  said  the  ritualist ;  "  if  they 
were  only  out  of  the  way,  we  could  march  on  with  rapid 
strides." 

"  Thia  generation  will  not  see  that  calamity,"  said  Dr. 
Hastings.  "  The  work  baptized  in  the  blood  of  Cran- 
mer,  Latimer,  and  Ridley  is  not  so  easily  overthrown. 
There  is  a  sturdy  band  of  true  and  faithful  Protestants 
left  yet,  to  defend  the  faith  of  the  Reformers." 

"  They  destroyed  a  great  deal  that  was  excellent  in 
my  opinion,"  said  Mr.  Moncrief. 

Dr.  Hastings  fixed  his  calm  blue  eye  upon  the 
speaker's  face,  and  asked  solemnly :  "  Have  you  ever, 
upon  bended  knee,  asked  sincerely  for  the  light  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  that  you  may  know  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus  ?  " 

"  The  Church  is  my  interpreter  of  Catholic  truth." 
was  the  reply. 

"Through  what  channels,  my  friend?" 

"Through  the  fathers  of  the  ancient  Church  from  the 
days  of  the  Apostles." 

"  Why  not  go  farther  back,  my  brother,  back  to  the 
Apostles  themselves?  —  for  on  them  alone  sat  the  cloven 
tongues  at  Pentecost." 


250  WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE. 

"We  cannot  agree,  I  see  that,"  said  the  ritualist; 
"our  systems  are  too  wide  apart." 

"  The  days  of  trouble  are  coming,  I  fear,"  said  Dr. 
Hastings.  "  Freedom  cannot  always  be  confined  to  one 
wing  of  the  Church  that  we  love ;  and  if  there  is  not 
corresponding  relaxation  of  canon  law  for  us,  as  well  as 
for  you,  other  relief  must  come  to  burdened  consciences." 

"  What  relief,  Dr.  Hastings?" 

"Either  reform,  or  separate  organization  —  the  saddest 
remedy  that  an  arrogant  course  would  lay  upon  us." 

"  May  our  Master  defend  us  from  schism ! "  said  Mr. 
Moncrief. 

"  We  should  leave  the  schismatics  behind  us ;  for 
they  have  already  divided  our  beloved  Church  in  spirit. 
But  may  God  defend  the  right !  I  can  trust  Him. 
Good  day,  Mr.  Moncrief." 

He  extended  his  hand. 

"Good  day,  Dr.  Hastings.  I  thank  you  for  your 
candor  and  your  courtesy." 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

A    VEIL   AT   ST.    GREGORY'S. 

They  have   taken   away  my  Lord,  and  I  know  not   where  they 
hare  laid  him." 

A  ONES  has  often  invited  members  of  the  parsonage 
•^"*-  family  to  accompany  her  to  church  ;  but,  hitherto, 
none  have  availed  themselves  of  the  invitation. 

There  are  to  be  some  new  ceremonies  at  St.  Gregory's 
on  Good  Friday,  and  Allan  has  obtained  permission  to 
go,  for  once. 

The  chancel  railings  are  draped  in  black,  also  the 
pulpit  and  the  lectern.  The  altar  is  covered  with  sable ; 
and  running  round  the  upper  edge  is  a  silver  fringe. 
In  front,  on  this  dark  ground,  is  represented  the  crown 
of  thorns,  in  the  centre  of  which  are  three  nails,  typical 
of  those  with  which  our  Redeemer  was  fastened  to  the 
wood  of  the  cross 

The  chandeliers  are  enveloped  in  black  cloth ;  and 
over  the  large  chancel-window,  back  of  the  altar,  there 
is  a  covering  of  sable,  and  on  this  a  large  cross,  made  of 
purple  stuff,  extending  the  whole  length  and  breadth. 

Morning  service  commenced  at  nine  o'c?  >ck,  the  Rev. 

261 


252  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Messrs.  Moncrief  and  Charlier  officiating  ministers . 
the  former  habited  in  a  black  chasuble,  fringed  with 
silver.  At  half-past  twelve  o'clock  commenced  the  ser- 
vice, called  the  Three  Hours'  Agony,  celebrated  but 
once  before  in  New  York,  similar  to  the  service  in 
Catholic  countries,  and  certainly  found  nowhere  in  our 
Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

There  was  a  procession  of  priests  and  acolytes,  a  cross- 
bearer,  incense  swingers,  solemn  music,  darkness,  and  all 
the  accompaniments  of  a  Romish  service — in  fact,  a 
complete  drama. 

"Allan   is  shocked  at  this  exhibition ;  and,  walking 
home  in  silence,  Agnes  said,  at  length  : 

"  Well,  Allan,  was  it  not  impressive  ?  " 

"  It  was  a  real  drama,  Agnes  —  our  dear  Lord's  suf- 
ferings the  subject." 

"  Why  do  you  object,  Allan  ?  " 

"  First  and  foremost,  we  have  no  such  service  in  our 
Prayer  Book  ;  and  it  is  altogether  Romish." 

Mrs.  Sherwood  has  seen  so  much  of  pure  spiritual 
piety  at  the  parsonage  that  she  is  beginning  to  crave 
something  better  than  these  object-lessons  in  this  sen- 
suous worship.  She  is  deeply  convinced  of  sin,  and 
gilded  altars,  smoking  incense,  flowers,  lights,  and  pro- 
cessional music  meet  no  want  of  an  awakened  soul.  She 
is  conscious  of  a  need  that  she  cannot  define ;  for  there  is 
a  veil  at  St.  Gregory's  between  her  spirit  and  the  blessed 
Jesus,  hiding  His  preciousness  from  the  true  penitent. 


WESTBROOJK    PARSONAGE.  253 

We  find  her  frequently  in  Mr.  Moncrief's  study,  wh( 
directs  her  not  to  the  Bible,  but  to  the  Directorium 
Anglicanum,  to  the  Book  of  Hours,  and  daily  partaking 
of  the  Holy  Eucharist ;  but  Mrs.  Sherwood  is  seeking 
peace  with  God,  and  such  counsel  does  not  meet  her 
case. 

She  reads  of  peace  with  God,  of  a  full  assurance  of 
faith,  of  joy  in  believing,  of  a  sense  of  adoption :  she  has 
neither.  And  so  she  gropes  on  in  darkness,  although 
she  is  living  in  the  light  of  the  nineteenth  century  —  all 
dim  and  shadowy  to  her,  obscured  by  the  misty  veil  at 
St.  Gregory's. 

She  has  gone  once  or  twice  to  the  lecture-room  at  St. 
Barnabas',  always  returning  with  a  deeper  conscious- 
ness that  there  is  a  void  yet  unfilled  in  her  aching  heart. 
Then  she  becomes  more  abundant  in  charity,  more  self- 
denying,  and  imposes  more  restraints  upon  herself;  but 
she  is  groping  still,  and  carries  about  a  face  still 
shrouded  in  sadness ;  for  "  they  have  taken  away  her 
Lord,  and  she  knows  not  where  they  have  laid  Him  " — 
almost  as  much  entombed  to  her  as  when  buried  in  the 
sepulchre  of  Joseph  of  Arimathea. 

"  Sir,  we  would  see  Jesus,"  is  the  dumb  language 
of  her  spirit  —  a  supplication  all  unanswered  at  St. 
Gregory's. 

She  is  seeking  for  free  access  to  a  throne  of  grace ; 
and  the  smoke  of  swinging  incense  and  a  face  directed 

to  what  is  styled  an  altar  is  the  answer  of  that  pulpit. 
22 


254  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

She  needs  a  Mediator  between  earth  and  heaven,  and 
the  vestments  that  mark  the  divine  character  of  an 
earthly  priesthood  are  held  up  before  her.  The  soul  ia 
lifting  beseeching  eyes  to  heaven  for  a  sacrifice  that  will 
forever  atone  for  sin,  and  the  Holy  Eucharist,  with  all 
its  ancient  superstitions  of  altar,  priest,  and  daily  sacri- 
fice, is  spread  before  the  convicted  spirit.  But  neither 
altar,  nor  priest,  nor  swinging  incense  can  satisfy  a  soul 
that  is  athirst  for  Jesus  in  His  precious  offices ;  and  so 
she  goes  with  spirit  yet  bowed  down,  scarcely  knowing 
that  they  have  taken  away  her  Lord — not  yet  con 
vinced  that  she  will  never  find  Him  here. 

How  many  immortal  souls  may  be  uttering  in  their 
silent  chambers  "  We  would  see  Jesus,"  receiving  just 
such  answers  from  their  spiritual  guides !  Solemn  respon- 
sibility in  those  ordained  to  make  known  the  precious- 
ness  of  a  Saviour's  love,  who  thus  hide  the  Master  behind 
a  veil  of  superstition  ! 

But  Good  Friday  has  passed  away,  and  we  will  de- 
scribe still  farther  the  "  steps  forward  "  at  St.  Gregory's, 
quoted  from  one  present  on  such  an  occasion,  in  the 
i^reat  American  metropolis  of  ritualism,  on  Easter 
'lay: 

"  The  candles  that  had  been  put  out  at  the  Tenebrse 
of  Good  Friday  were  relighted,  and  the  church  shone 
with  the  brightness  of  the  Easter  festival.  The  service 
commenced  at  a  quarter  bef<  re  ten,  and  continued  for 
nearly  four  hours.  At  about  half-past  ten,  one  of  the 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  255 

altar-boys  entered  with  a  long  taper,  and  lit  the  can 
dies  that  flanked  the  altar  on  either  side.  These  being 
lit,  the  strains  of  distant  music  were  heard,  swelling 
gradually  on  the  ear  as  the  procession  entered  the  vestry 
door  —  first  the  cross-bearer,  in  purple  and  white ;  then 
two  acolytes,  with  huge  candles  of  colored  wax,  and 
dressed  in  crimson  and  white ;  then  another  little  altar- 
boy,  swinging  clouds  of  incense  from  a  silver  censer ; 
then  the  banner-bearers — the  first  banner  having  the 
figure  of  the  patron  saint,  his  head  encircled  with  the 
halo  of  martyrdom,  (he  was  the  martyr  sacrificed  on 
British  soil,)  the  other  being  the  banner  of  the  Holy 
Sacrament,  on  which  was  painted  the  sacred  ritualistic 
emblems  :  finally  came  the  officiating  priests.  As  the 
procession,  with  its  candles,  banners,  incense,  and 
cross,  ascended  the  chancel  steps,  and  made  its  rever- 
ence to  the  altar,  the  scene  was  quite  brilliant  and 
imposing. 

"The  ante-communion  service  was  then  proceeded 
with,  the  music  being  from  Mozart's  Twelfth  Mass,  and, 
truth  compels  us  to  say,  very  badly  sung.  Except  fre- 
quent genuflections  and  crossings,  and  the  obeisance  at 
the  statement  of  the  incarnation  ("  and  was  made  Man  ") 
in  the  Creed,  the  service  did  not  differ  materially  from 
the  ordinary  usage  <>f  the  Episcopal  Church.  At  the 
reading  of  the  Gospel,  however,  a  variation  occurred. 
The  Epistle  having  been  read  on  the  Epistle  side  of  the 
altar,  the  priests  crossed  to  the  left,  or  Gospel  side,  and 


256  WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Father  Niles  taking  his  place  on  the  topmost  step,  the 
assisting  priest  standing  on  the  next  step  below,  held  the 
book  on  a  level  with  his  own  eyes  and  supported  against 
his  forehead,  and  from  this  the  officiating  priest  read  ; 
while  the  little  boys  held  their  tall  tapers  on  either  side 
of  the  reader,  and  the  censer-bearer  swung  incense  to- 
ward the  group. 

"  Then  came  the  sermon,  prefaced  by  the  preacher 
crossing  himself  and  commending  the  exercise  to  the 
Divine  guidance  by  the  words,  'In  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  Amen,' 
and  the  congregation  did  likewise.  The  sermon  was 
upon  the  resurrection  of  the  body,  and  the  preacher  — 
Father  Worrell  —  of  course  took  the  ultra  Church  view 
of  the  subject,  and  maintained  the  resurrection  of  the 
very  particles  of  our  present  actual  fleshly  bodies,  sup- 
porting his  doctrine  with  the  usual  texts  and  well-known 
arguments.  Two  significant  sentences  were  those  in 
which  the  preacher  cautioned  his  hearers  to  '  beware  of 
those  blustering  private  judgments  for  which  the  things 
of  God  are  never  too  profound,'  and  in  which  he  made 
reference  to  'her  who  bare  the  Holy  Child,  peerless 
among  created  beings.' 

"  The  discourse  was  not  long,  and  was  succeeded  by 
the  communion  service,  Father  Niles  being  the  celebrant. 
He  was  robed  in  a  black  under-robe,  over  which  was 
worn  the  alb,  a  white  garment  reaching  to  the  knee,  and 
finished  by  a  deep  lace  border.  Over  this  was  worn  a 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  267 

rich  white  chasuble,  bordered  with  gold  braid,  and 
worked  with  crimson.  The  mode  of  administering  the 
communion  differs  from  the  ordinary"  practice  of  the 
Church  in  that  a  consecrated  wafer  is  usea  in  place  of 
the  bread.  With  this  the  priest  first  crosses  the  commu- 
nicant against  the  forehead,  and  then  places  the  wafer 
in  his  mouth." 

Truly  St.  Gregory's  is  on  the  Appian  Way.  What 
must  be  thought  of  our  Church  discipline,  which  can 
bring  to  trial  offenders  against  canon  law  on  one  side, 
and  tolerate  practices  like  these  in  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  ! 

Have  we  no  law  for  these  f — no  law  by  which  to 
banish  and  drive  away  from  the  Church  all  erroneous 
and  strange  doctrines  contrary  to  God's  word  ?  Surely 
—  surely  we  have.  Surely  the  Church  of  Cranmer  and 
Ridley  and  Latimer  will  not  surrender  one  inch  of  the 
triumphs  of  that  day  of  reformation. 

But  to  return  to  Agnes.  She  is  almost  daily  at  the 
parsonage  now ;  for  she  knows  how  tenderly  the  good 
pastor  and  his  wife  waited  upon  her  in  her  hours  of 
sickness.  Frequently  we  find  her  by  the  side  of  Alice 
in  her  excursions  out  of  doors,  Allan  drawing  the  car- 
riage; sometimes  by  the  borders  of  the  creek,  in  the 
more  quiet  streets,  or  up  and  down  the  shady  orchard  ; 
frequently  stepping  in  at  the  hour  of  morning  prayer, 
for  Agnes  finds  that  it  is  good  tc  be  there.  She  ia 
22*  R 


258  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

seated  among  them  to-day,  when  they  are  discussing  the 
» abject  of  the  new  birth. 

Margaret  is  ready  with  her  text 

" '  And  he  said,  Verily  I  say  ui  to  you,  Except  ye  he 
converted  and  become  as  little  <  hildren,  ye  shall  not 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.'  " 

"  I  have  a  good  one,"  said  Allan :  "  '  Jesus  answered 
and  said  unto  him,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  Ex- 
cept a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of 
God.'" 

"  Have  you  any  passages  describing  the  evidences  of 
the  new  birth?" 

"  I  have,  papa,"  said  Alice :  " '  Whosoever  believeth 
that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  is  born  of  God :  and  every 
one  that  loveth  him  that  begat,  loveth  him  also  that  is 
begotten  of  him.' " 

"  I  have  given  several  to  Edward  and  Lucy.  Repeat 
yours,  Edward." 

" '  For  whatsoever  is  born  of  God  overcometh  the 
world :  and  this  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world, 
even  our  faith.' " 

"  This  is  mine,  papa,"  said  Lucy :  " '  Beloved,  let  us 
love  one  another:  for  love  is  of  God;  and  every  one 
that  loveth,  is  born  of  God,  and  knoweth  God.' " 

"  You  see,  my  dear  children,  that  these  passages  refer 
to  a  spiritual  change  which  must  pass  upon  our  moral 
uature,  ere  we  are  meet  for  an  inheritance  with  the 
.saints  in  light,  the  great  age)  .t  of  which  is  the  Hoi) 


VTESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  259 

Spirit,  and  faith  the  instrument  by  which  we  receive 
the  promised  blessing." 

Many  a  seed  of  divine  truth  is  thus  dropped  in  the 
hearing  of  Alice  Sherwood. 

After  the  service,  we  find  the  two  rambling  together 
along  the  banks  of  the  creek,  for  Alice  is  not  well 
wiougn  to  accompany  them  to-day,  and  very  sweet  and 
hoi}  w  the  intercourse  between  these  young  persons. 

Agnes  is  seventeen  now,  small  and  delicately  formed, 
the  character  of  her  beauty  touching  rather  than  bril- 
liant ;  for  there  is  a  world  of  feeling  in  the  soft  dark 
eyes  veiled  by  the  drooping  lash.  There  is  such  a  simi- 
larity of  taste  in  reference  to  music,  poetry,  and  the 
beauties  of  the  world  in  which  they  live,  that  Agnes 
is  beginning  to  toll  her  thoughts  freely  to  Allan,  who  is 
daily  acquiring  more  influence  over  the  young  lady. 

They  are  communing  thus  to-day. 

"  How  is  it,  Allan,  that  I  feel  so  differently  toward  Dr. 
Hastings  from  what  I  do  to  Mr.  Moncrief ;  he  is  really 
my  pastor,  but  I  cannot  talk  to  him  as  I  can  to  Dr. 
Hastings." 

"  I  suppose,  Agnes,  that  it  arises  from  the  difference 
in  their  claims ;  one  comes  to  you  as  a  minister  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  a  shepherd,  a  guide,  a  father ;  and  the  other 
as  a  priest,  to  administer  the  holy  mysteries  and  to  ab- 
solve you  from  sin." 

"  I  stand  in  awe  of  Mr.  Moncrief,  and  could  never 
come  to  him  with  soul-confidence ;  but  I  venerate  and 


260  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

love  Dr.  Hastings,  and  see  in  him  the  marks  of  a  true 
minister  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour.  Both  cannot  be 
true,  so  wide  apart  in  their  teachings.  Which  am  I  to 
follow?" 

"  Whichever  leads  to  Jesus,  Agnes :  pray  for  guidance, 
keep  close  to  the  Bible,  give  up  reading  the  books  of 
the  ritualists — they  will  lead  you  into  the  paths  of  a  sen 
mous  religion,  certainly  not  taught  by  the  Apostles. " 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

WINGS  AT  ST.  BARNABAS'. 

**  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing, 
that  ye  may  abound  in  lope,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

TT  is  the  favored  hour  of  Friday-evening  lecture  at 
-*-  St.  Barnabas',  a  service  largely  attended  in  the  lec- 
ture-room. The  pastor  is  in  the  reading-desk  in  his 
black  gown ;  for  it  is  the  custom  of  Dr.  Hastings  to  be 
thus  clad  at  the  familiar  lecture.  There  is  a  growing 
look  of  deeper  spirituality  upon  the  pale,  thoughtful 
countenance,  a  more  solemn  light  from  the  blue  eyes,  a 
more  tender  sweetness  around  the  large  mouth,  and  a  few 
scattered  locks  of  light-brown  hair  crown  the  broad,  ex- 
pansive brow.  His  slow  and  measured  movements  in- 
dicate weakness ;  but  none  who  listen  to  the  rich  melody 
of  the  deep,  musical  voice,  can  fully  realize  that  the  slen- 
der frame  from  which  it  proceeds  can  be  so  very  frail. 

The  service  opens  with  the  words  of  the  sweet  hymn, 
Bung  always  to  the  same  tune  : 

"Far  from  my  thoughts,  vain  world,  begone! 
Let  my  religious  hours  alone: 
From  flesh  and  sense  I  would  be  free, 
And  hold  communion,  Lord,  with  thee  "  — 

Ml 


262  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

the  pastor  sitting  with  closed  eyes,  joining  in  the  solemn 
hymn. 

Then  came  the  evening  service,  so  impressive  in  its 
simplicity,  and  then  the  familiar  lecture,  full  of  a  pas- 
tor's tenderness  and  an  ambassador's  faithfulness — Jesus 
Christ  and  Him  crucified,  the  great  subject  of  his  min- 
istry; His  offices,  His  example,  His  teachings,  His  holy 
life,  His  atoning  death,  his  one  absorbing  theme.  These 
heavenly  doctrines  he  pressed  upon  his  people's  hearts 
with  all  a  father's  love :  this  the  language  of  his  whole 
ministry  at  St.  Barnabas',  as  it  is  his  text  to-night : 

"  For  whether  we  be  beside  ourselves,  it  is  to  God :  or 
whether  we  be  sober,  it  is  for  your  cause. 

"  For  the  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us ;  because  we 
thus  judge,  that  if  one  died  for  all,  then  were  all  dead. 

"  Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ ;  as  though 
God  did  beseech  you  by  us,  we  pray  you  in  Christ's 
stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God." 

A  silence  that  might  be  felt  rested  upon  the  congrega- 
tion. There  had  been  a  solemn,  weeping  listener  there, 
who  had  realized  the  constraining  power  of  such  Gospel 
preaching,  as  Jesus,  and  He  only,  was  held  up  as  the 
sinner's  hope.  The  message  had  fallen  upon  her  heart 
with  a  sweetness  that  she  had  never  known  before.  No 
mummery  of  the  services  of  a  defunct  theology  was 
there ;  no  embroidered  vestments,  no  processional  music, 
but  sweet  devotional  hymns,  in  which  she  could  join, 
and  the  simple  evening  prayer,  that  she  had  been  accus- 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  263 

tomed  to  before  the  days  of  object-lessons.  Conscious 
that  she  had  found  wings  on  which  to  soar  to  heaven,  no 
earthly  piiest  could  henceforth  delude  her  spirit. 

No  thick  veil  of  excessive  ritualism  is  here  to  hide 
the  Lord  from  the  believer's  vision ;  no  mirage  to  entice 
her  footsteps  into  a  mere  desert ;  but  an  open  Bible,  free 
access  to  the  Great  High-Priest,  where  she  may  draw 
near  even  to  the  Holy  of  Holies  with  perfect  confidence, 
to  plead  the  merits  of  the  one  Great  Advocate.  She  has 
heen  borne  upward,  as  it  were  on  angels'  wings,  at  St. 
Barnabas',  and  none  of  the  worshippers  knew  with  what 
sweet  tears  of  holy  joy  the  figure  in  the  mourning  dress 
joined  in  the  hymn  : 

"Jesus,  Saviour  of  my  soul, 

Let  me  to  thy  bosom  fly, 
While  the  waves  of  trouble  roll, 

While  the  tempest  still  is  high: 
Hide  me,  0  my  Saviour,  hide, 

Till  the  storm  of  life  is  past ; 
Safe  into  the  heaven  guide; 

0  receive  my  soul  at  last." 

Here  was  spiritual,  not  sensuous  worship.  No  object- 
lessons  here,  for  here  were  no  objects  of  sense  to  discern. 
The  things  of  sense  only  can  be  taught  by  the  objects  of 
sense.  Not  so  the  immortal  spirit  —  that  must  be  sanc- 
tified by  contact  with  spirit  of  a  like  essence:  the  things 
of  the  Spirit  can  be  discerned  only  by  the  spirit. 

After  the  closing  hymn,  the   usual    invitation  was 


264  WESTBROOK     PAH  SON  AGE. 

given  to  any  desiring  religious  counsel  to  meet  theh 
pastor  in  the  vestry-room ;  and  observing  several  turn 
their  footsteps  that  way,  Mrs.  Sherwood  followed.  A 
bright  smile  of  welcome  flitted  over  Dr.  Hastings'  face 
as  he  saw  who  so  meekly  took  her  seat  among  the  little 
flock.  A  few  faithful  words  of  individual  counsel,  a 
fervent,  loving  prayer  closed  the  service  that  had  com- 
pletely severed  Mrs.  Sherwood  from  a  ritualistic  min- 
istry. 

Next  morning,  we  find  her  at  Dr.  Hastings'  study, 
with  the  history  of  her  heart  struggles. 

"  The  law  has  pursued  me  with  its  glittering  sword  for 
years,"  said  the  lady ;  "  and  all  this  while  I  have  been 
taught  to  rest  in  everything  but  Jesus." 

'*  That  is  what  might  be  expected  from  sacramental 
theology,"  replied  the  pastor.  "  The  sacraments  were 
never  intended  to  originate  emotion ;  they  feed  the 
Christian's  faith  when  rightly  received.  As  in  the 
Lord's  Supper,  the  food  is  spiritual,  and  as  the  soul,  in 
a  state  of  nature,  is  spiritually  dead,  it  follows  that  a 
dead  soul  mu?t  be  endued  with  spiritual  life  before  it 
can  feed  upon  heavenly  nourishment." 

"  This  is  all  new,"  said  Mrs.  Sherwood.  "  If  the  sac- 
raments do  not  impart  spiritual  life,  what  does?" 

"The  Holy  Spirit,  which  is  given  in  answer  to  be- 
lieving prayer." 

"  I  feel,  Dr.  Hastings,  as  if  I  had  to  begin  my  Chris- 
tian life  all  over  again:  it  has  all  been  so  unsatisfying." 


WESTBRCJK     PARSONAGE.  265 

"  It  i*  all  expressed  in  these  simple  words,"  wafe  the 
reply : 

'In  my  hand  no  price  I  bring; 
Simply  to  thy  cross  I  cling'  — 

close  to  that  blessed  Saviour  every  step  of  your  way : 
keep  your  eyes  ever  upon  Him,  and  he  will  reveal  him- 
self to  you  as  a  pardoning,  loving  Saviour." 

With  the  docile  spirit  of  a  child,  she  bowed  before  the 
mercy -seat,  while  the  good  pastor  committed  her  case  to 
the  teaching  of  the  blessed  Spirit. 

Father  Morgan  is  on  a  visit  to  the  parsonage,  his 
spirit  sorely  troubled  by  the  progress  of  ritualism  in  the 
Church  of  his  affections. 

"  Here  is  something  for  the  press,"  said  the  old  gen- 
tleman, taking  out  a  small  manuscript.  "  Shall  I  read 
Father  Morgan's  Vision  ?  " 

Seating  himself  near  the  couch  of  the  invalid,  he 
wiped  his  spectacles,  unrolled  his  manuscript,  smoothed 
its  wrinkles,  and  then  commenced : 

"  Methought  that  I  was  sitting  in  the  church  of  St. 

,  one  of  the  fossil  ( hurches  of  the  nineteenth  century, 

musing  over  the  defei  tions  of  these  latter  days.  In  my 
waking  dreams,  this  is  what  I  saw: — The  congregation 
were  assembled  at  morning  prayer.  Seated  in  a  side- 
pew,  where  I  could  see  the  entrance,  methought  three 
shadowy  forms  moved  slowly  up  the  aisle,  clad  in  the 
loose,  flowing  robes  worn  in  the  days  of  our  Lord,  girt 

about  the  loins,  and  witk  uncovered  heads.     Though 
23 


266 

clearly  defined,  they  were  singularly  transparent,  and  1 
felt  that  we  were  in  the  presence  of  the  spirits  of  another 
world. 

"  They  glided  up  the  aisle,  entered  the  chancel-rails, 
and  took  their  seats  within,  evidently  unseen  by  the  two 
ministers,  who  proceeded,  with  their  genuflections  and 
their  droning  voices,  in  the  service  of  God.  One,  smaller 
than  the  rest,  and  much  less  imposing  in  appearance, 
stepped  forward,  and  raising  his  shadowy  hand  to 
heaven,  called  out  in  solemn  tones,  that  startled  every 
hearer : 

" '  Listen  !  listen !   I  come  with  a  message  from  heaven 
to  you,  degenerate  Christians  of  the  nineteenth  century.' 
"  Methought  that  now  these  forms  were  visible,  for 
many  started  to  their  feet  fully  aroused,  as  the  impres- 
sive voice  continued : 

"  '  What  mean  you,  Christians  of  the  latter  days,  by 
these  forms  of  Judaism  ?  Having  begun  in  the  Spirit, 
are  ye  going  back  to  the  flesh?' 

"  I  knew  him  now :  it  was  Paul,  the  great  Apostle  to 
the  Gentiles. 

" '  Is  this  spiritual  worship  ?  —  this  outward  service  of 
posture,  and  vestment,  and  processions.  What  mean  ye, 
ambassadors  of  the  Lord  Jesus  ?  (who  seemed  now  to 
shrink  before  him.)  Do  you  call  this  the  Church  of  the 
Apostles,  left  upon  earth  to  defend  the  faith  once  deliv- 
ered to  the  saints?  What  was  that  ancient,  simple 
faith  for  which  so  many  died  ?  Hear  it,  degenerate 
sons !  Justification  by  faith,  sanctification  by  the  Spirit, 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  267 

a  life  of  holiness,  the  resurrection  of  the  body,  and  the 
life  of  the  world  to  come:  this  is  Apostolic  doctrine! 

" '  Preaching  the  word  from  house  to  house,  laboring 
for  immortal  souls,  giving  of  alms,  and  brotherly  love : 
this  is  Apostolic  doctrine.  How  much  of  all  that  is  left 
in  this  apology  for  a  Christian  church  —  this  bowing 
multitude  before  the  idol  that  their  priests  have  made? 
I  say  to  you  now,  what  I  said  to  the  men  of  Athens,  "  I 
perceive  that  in  all  things  ye  are  too  superstitious ; "  for 
I  find  what  you  call  an  altar  here,  on  which  you  claim 
to  sacrifice,  an  unknown  god.  The  time  is  short,  the 
dispensation  is  closing ;  the  sifting-time  is  coming,  when 
the  tares  shall  all  be  burned  up,  and  nothing  left  but  the 
pure  wheat  to  be  gathered  into  the  garner.' 

"  Every  eye  was  fixed,  every  voice  was  hushed.  Me 
thought  that  the  two  ministers  were  ashy  pale  as  they 
listened.  The  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles  had  uttered  his 
warning ;  and  then  methought  that  the  second  arose. 
The  face  was  heavenly;  the  dark-brown  hair  lay  in 
wavy  locks  around  his  shoulders ;  the  voice  was  sweet, 
and  full  of  love ;  the  glance  tender  and  holy.  This  was 
he  who  leaned  upon  Jesus'  bosom  ;  and,  in  words  of  love, 
he  spoke: 

" '  I  am  he  that  in  the  Isle  of  Patmos  received  the 
revelations  from  heaven  —  the  brother  and  companion 
still  of  all  true  believers.  Much  of  that  divine  revela- 
tion has  been  fulfilled ;  the  most  solemn  judgments  yet 
remain,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  descend  from 
heaven,  to  consume  every  form  of  opposition  to  His 


J68  WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE. 

kingdom  by  the  brightness  of  His  coming.  A  shadow 
of  that  apostasy  is  here,  and  shadows  are  born  of  reali- 
ties. Beware  lest,  beguiled  by  the  great  deceiver,  you 
lose  the  substance  of  Christianity  while  pursuing  its 
counterfeit.  I  come  to  warn  the  true  flock  of  our  dear 
Master ;  for,  mixed  up  with  all  the  varying  sects  of 
Christendom,  we  find  that  little  flock.  Come  out,  come 
out,  true  followers  of  the  Lamb,  from  every  form  of  op- 
position to  the  true  spiritual  Church  of  our  precious 
Master ;  for  "  Behold,  he  cometh  with  clouds ;  and 
every  eye  shall  see  him.  He  which  testifieth  these  things 
saith,  Surely  I  come  quickly ;  Amen.  Even  so  come, 
Lord  Jesus.  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be 
with  all  who  truly  love  the  Lord.  Amen." ' 

"Methought  that,  amid  silence  deep  and  profound, 
the  seer  of  Patmos  sat  down ;  and  then  arose  the  third. 
Tall,  commanding,  with  a  glowing  eye,  in  ringing 
tones  he  spoke.  It  was  Peter ;  free  from  human  pas- 
sions now,  for  he  had  dwelt  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
for  eighteen  centuries: 

" '  Beware  of  the  seducing  spirits  of  the  latter  days, 
who  may  come  clad  in  forms  of  beauty,  but  only  to  lead 
away  from  the  true  faith  of  the  Gospel  of  the  Son  of  God. 
Remember  where  it  is  found  in  its  purity  —  in  that 
upper  room  in  Jerusalem,  where  the  cloven  tongues  sat 
upon  the  chosen  few.  Go  back  to  them  for  the  blessed 
Gospel.  Keep  close  to  their  teaching.  Whatever  de- 
parts from  the  spirit  of  their  holy  doctrine  or  practice 
is  of  man,  and  not  of  God.  We  leave  our  warning  !  It 


WESTBROOE     PARSONAGE.  269 

will  l>e  heeded  by  the  true  flock  only ;  for  the  Saviour's 
sheep  know  His  voice  and  follow  Him. 

" '  But,  beloved,  be  not  ignorant  of  this  one  thing, 
that  one  day  is  with  the  Lord  as  a  thousand  years,  and 
a  thousand  years  as  one  day. 

" '  But  the  day  of  the  Lord  will  come  as  a  thief  in 
the  night,  in  the  which  the  heavens  shall  pass  away  with 
a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent 
heat ;  the  earth  also,  and  the  works  that  are  therein, 
sh'all  be  burnt  up. 

"'Seeing,  then, that  all  these  things  shall  be  dissolved, 
what  manner  of  persons  ought  ye  to  be  in  all  holy  con- 
versation and  godliness.' 

"Awestruck,  the  people  listened.  Then  the  three 
arose,  saying : 

" '  We  shall  meet  again.     Farewell,  farewell ! ' 

"  Then  methought  that  slowly  they  ascended  to  the 
roof,  which  seemed  to  open,  disclosing  a  band  of  angelic 
spirits;  and  then,  amid  strains  of  heavenly  music  fill- 
ing the  whole  church,  they  disappeared. 

"  Thus  ended  my  vision  at  St. .     Doubtless  could 

these  holy  Apostles  return  to  earth,  just  such  would  be 
their  testimony  to  the  defection  of  these  latter  days." 

Mrs.  Sherwood  had  been  among  the  listeners  deeply 
impressed  by  the  notes  of  warning.  She  was  sitting 
daily  now  at  Jesus'  feet,  and  was  learning,  under  the 
teachings  of  Dr.  Hastings,  the  blessedness  of  joy  and 
peace  in  believing 
23* 


CHAPTER  XX. 

EASTER    MORNING. 

*  But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first-fruit! 
of  them  that  slept. 

"For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead." 


new  worshippers  are  added  to  the  family  group 
-*-  at  the  parsonage  ;  Mrs.  Sherwood  and  Agnes  esteem- 
ing it  a  great  privilege  to  join  that  little  band  who  meet 
morning  and  evening  at  the  mercy-seat. 

She  has  removed  her  altar  and  its  coverings,  her 
flowers,  and  her  crucifix,  and  all  other  symbols  of  her 
former  faith. 

A  simple  table  takes  the  place  of  the  altar,  on  which 
are  laid  her  Bible  and  Prayer  Book  —  these,  with  a  kneel- 
ing-stool  before  the  table,  are  all  that  remain  of  objects 
of  sense.  But  there  is  another  altar  there,  now,  where  she 
holds  spiritual  communion  with  the  Great  High-Priest 
of  our  profession.  No  Book  of  Hours,  no  Directorium 
Anglicanum,  is  there. 

She  has  escaped  the  shackles  of  ritualism,  and  in 
her  holy  freedom  uses  her  great  wealth  in  schemes  for 

the  good  of  the  Church  and  benevolence  to  man  ;  for  she 

270 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  271 

has  found  the  Holy  Catholic  Church  for  which  she  has 
searched  so  long.  When  she  repeats  that  article  of  the 
Creed  now,  she  can  extend  her  arms  very  wide,  to  em- 
brace all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  for  although, 
in  its  outward  organization,  she  still  prefers  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church,  she  recognizes  the  great  multi- 
tude of  true  believers  throughout  the  world  as  members 
of  the  church  of  the  first-born,  whom  she  hopes  to  dwell 
with  in  the  church  of  the  resurrection.  She  is  especially 
attached  to  the  good  rector  of  St.  Barnabas',  for  he  is 
her  spiritual  father  in  Gospel  bonds,  and  is  anxious  to  do 
something  to  show  her  gratitude. 

The  congregation  has  grown  so  rapidly  that  a  transept  is 
necessary,  and  Mrs.  Sherwood  gives  largely  of  her  means 
for  that  purpose ;  at  the  same  time  begging  to  replace 
the  old  bell  by  a  chime  of  bells.  The  offer  is  accepted, 
and  the  work  goes  on  bravely.  Mr.  Moncrief  is  much 
grieved  by  the  loss  of  his  wealthy  parishioner;  but 
her  choice  is  a  matter  of  conscience,  and  there  is  no 
redress. 

Agnes,  too,  is  with  her  mother  heart  and  hand,  for 
she  was  gradually  prepared  for  such  a  step,  by  intimate 
intercourse  with  the  young  people  of  the  parsonage. 

Mrs.  Sherwood  has  no  scruples  now  about  aiding  the 
mission  over  the  hill,  and,  seeing  that  the  field  is  ripe, 
and  the  mission  growing,  offers  to  build  a  chapel  herself, 
calling  it  St.  John's. 

Agnes  and  her  mothel  engage  heartily  in  the  work 


272  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

as  teachers,  and  walking  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in 
the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  are  very  happy. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Father  Morgan  has  heard  of  the 
defection  of  his  former  proUgd,  George  Vincent,  for  he 
is  avowedly  now  with  the  ritualists.  He  remembers  the 
Gospel  precept,  and  obeys :  "  Moreover,  if  thy  brother 
shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault 
between  thee  and  him  alone;  if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou 
hast  gained  thy  brother." 

We  therefore  find  the  faithful  Christian  in  the  study 
of  the  young  minister,  surrounded  by  pictures  of  the 
fathers,  the  writings  of  mediaeval  days,  and  on  the  back 
of  a  chair  several  articles  of  clerical  costume  unknown 
in  the  service  of  our  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

"  Have  I  heard  aright,  my  young  brother  —  are  you 
really  with  the  retrocessionists  ?  " 

"  I  am  with  those,  Father  Morgan,  who  wish  to  restore 
the  ancient  faith  of  the  Holy  Catholic  Church." 

"  So  am  I,  my  young  brother,  only  farther  back  than 
you.  I  am  for  bringing  back  apostolic,  not  mediaeval 
faith :  but  what  do  you  see  in  your  new  faith  to  prefer 
to  the  old  paths  of  the  Reformers  ?  " 

"  A  worship  full  of  meaning,  a  revival  of  verities  long 
buried." 

"  Do  you  experience  any  more  of  peace  and  joy  in 
these  appeals  to  the  senses,  George,  than  in  ibrinei 
days?" 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  273 

"  There  is  certainly  more  solemnity,  more  awe,  more 
of  reverence." 

"I  think  that  if  you  will  analyze  your  emotions,  you 
will  find  that  they  are  of  the  same  character  that  you 
would  experience  in  the  concert-room,  at  an  opera,  or 
any  other  merely  dramatic  representation." 

"  I  think  not,  Father  Morgan ;  for  in  none  of  these 
places  do  we  ever  hear  of  a  truth  so  mysterious,  so  awe- 
inspiring  as  the  central  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Catholic 
Church,  that  of  the  real  presence  in  the  Eucharist." 

"All  overthrown  long  ago,  George,  by  giant  minds 
who  died  to  seal  their  faith.  I  cannot  believe  that  you 
will  always  be  led  away  by  these  fables.  Your  poetic 
nature  has  been  your  snare;  that,  joined  with  a  want 
of  watchfulness  and  prayer  in  these  days  of  trial,  has 
tempted  you  away  from  the  simplicity  that  is  in  Christ." 

"  I  thank  you  for  your  interest,  father,"  said  the  young 
man  ;  "  but  thus  far  I  am  satisfied." 

Thus  ended  the  conference,  Father  Morgan  having 
discharged  a  Christian  duty,  and  George  Vincent  still 
joined  to  his  new  idols. 

The  addition  to  St.  Barnabas'  is  completed,  an  assist- 
ant minister  engaged,  and  the  chime  of  bells  hung  in 
the  old  tower.  It  is  Easter  morning  —  a  bright  and 
beautiful  day ;  and  assembled  in  the  parlor  of  the  par- 
sonage, the  texts  of  that  day  are  on  the  glorious  sub- 
ject of  the  resurrection.  Margaret  is  ready  with  hei 
text: 


274  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

" '  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all 
be  made  alive. 

" '  But  every  man  in  his  own  order  ;  Christ  the  first- 
fruits  ;  afterward  they  that  are  Christ's,  at  his  coining.'  " 

Alice  said,  "  I  have  the  blessed  Saviour's  words : 
'  Jesus  said  unto  her,  I  am  the  resurrection  and  'the  life: 
he  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall 
he  live.' " 

"I  have  also  the  Master's  words,"  added  Allan: 
" '  Marvel  not  at  this :  for  the  hour  is  coming,  in  the 
which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice, 

"  'And  shall  come  forth  ;  they  that  have  done  good; 
unto  the  resurrection  of  life ;  and  they  that  have  done 
evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  damnation.' " 

"I  have  a  text,"  said  Edward :  "  '  And  have  hope  to- 
wards God,  which  they  themselves  also  allow,. that  there 
shall  be  a  resurrection  of  the  dead,  both  of  the  just  anil 
the  unjust.' " 

"  This  is  mine,"  said  Lucy :  " '  For  the  Lord  himself 
shall  descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the  voice 
of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God  :  and  the 
dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first.' " 

"  We  must  not  overlook  the  glorious  texts  in  the  fif- 
teenth chapter  of  Corinthians,"  said  Dr.  Hastings : 

" '  Behold,  I  show  you  a  mystery :  we  shall  not  all 
sleep,  but  we  shall  be  changed, 

" '  In  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  275 

trump :  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall 
be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be  changed. 

" '  For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and 
this  mortal  must  put  on  immortality. 

" '  So  when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put  on  incor- 
ruption, and  this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immortality, 
then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written, 
Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.' " 

Dr.  Hastings  closed  the  Bible,  and  sitting  silent  for 
a  moment,  said : 

"  Stupendous  joy !  Blessed,  glorious  hope !  Let  us 
thank  God  on  this  Easter  morning." 

In  words  of  fervent,  holy  prayer  he  committed  the 
dear  household  to  the  keeping  of  the  blessed  Redeemer, 
and  then  all  joined  in  singing  the  Easter  hymn : 

"  Christ,  the  Lord,  is  risen  to-day, 
Sons  of  men  and  angels  say: 
Raise  your  joys  and  triumphs  high, 
Sing,  ye  heavens,  and  earth  reply. 

"  Love's  redeeming  work  is  done, 
Fought  the  fight;  the  victory  won : 
Jesus'  agony  is  o'er, 
Darkness  veils  the  earth  no  more." 

Just  then  the  new  chime  of  bells  struck  up  their  joy- 
ful peals,  echoed  on  this  Easter  morning  from  city  to 
city,  from  hamlet  to  hamlet,  from  hill  to  mountain-top, 
through  valley  and  shady  d  ill,  over  the  waves  of  mighty 


276  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

rivers,  throughout  Christendom.  Could  a  human  ear 
catch  all  those  echoing  peals,  stirring  the  ripples  of  the 
air  with  such  joyful  tidings,  what  a  grand  chorus  of 
magnificent  joy-bells  would  transport  the  soul  with  the 
yearly  tidings  that  "  Christ  has  risen,"  and,  because  He 
has  risen,  that  we  shall  rise  also. 

Assembled  at  St.  Barnabas',  there  was  the  usual  cele- 
bration of  the  Easter  festival,  with  one  of  Dr.  Hastings' 
most  stirring  and  eloquent  sermons.  There  was  no  pro- 
cessional singing,  no  embroidered  vestments,  no  brilliant 
lights  ;  but  there  wa*  music  worthy  of  the  day,  a  sermon 
that  pictured  the  glorious  kingdom  that  was  coming, 
holding  out  expectations  big  with  immortality,  and  ser- 
vices that  trembled  on  the  lips  of  thousands,  bursting 
forth  at  last  in  one  grand  chorus  of  exultation  on  both 
continents. 

It  was  Mrs.  Sherwood's  first  Easter-day  at  St.  Barna- 
bas' ;  and  blessed  indeed  was  the  communion  of  saints 
at  the  table  of  our  Lord  on  that  holy  day. 

"  It  was  a  precious  day,  Dr.  Hastings,"  said  the  lady. 
"  So  different  from  former  occasions,  where  the  awe  that 
filled  my  mind  at  the  bare  idea  of  receiving  the  real 
body  and  blood  of  our  Lord  utterly  banished  the  idea 
of  love  ;  but  to-day  it  seemed  as  if  I  could  hear  my  Lord 
and  Master  speaking  to  my  soul  in  tones  so  full  of  love 
and  compassion  that  my  whole  being  was  bathed  in  that 
fountain  of  love." 
»  Mrs.  Sherwood  is  a  very  happy  Christian,  her  viewi 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  277 

of  the  exceeding  love  of  Christ  deepening  each  day  of  her 
mortal  life  —  from  her  own  blessed  experience  now  able 
to  tell  to  the  children  of  the  mission  how  precious  that 
dear  Saviour  should  be  to  lost  and  ruined  sinners. 

The  little  chapel  on  the  hill  is  completed,  and  Mrs. 
Sherwood  is  very  active  among  the  people.  Agnes,  too, 
has  found  her  work  here,  not  employing  her  time  now 
in  embroidering  magnificent  robes  for  the  priesthood, 
but  in  making  garments  for  the  poor  and  needy  —  in 
visiting  the  sick  and  afflicted,  instructing  the  ignorant, 
and  cultivating  the  talents  which  God  has  given  her,  for 
the  happiness  of  those  with  whom  she  dwells. 

Warren  is  still  at  college,  expecting  to  graduate  in 
another  year,  and  then  to  read  law  with  Uncle  Richard 
in  New  York. 

Alice,  on  her  couch  of  privation,  is  still  one  of  the 
most  useful  of  the  family  chain  of  the  Pastor's  Aid ; 
happy  in  the  ability  yet  to  write  her  notes  and  let- 
ters wherever  she  hopes  that  they  may  do  any  good. 
Warren  is  the  recipient  of  the  largest  number,  and 
many  a  silent  hour  is  spent  alone  in  his  room,  conning 
over  their  precious  contents. 

Dear  little  epistles !  full  of  a  sister's  love,  but  fuller 
of  a  Saviour's. 

"  It  is  all  real  here ! "  said  Warren,  as  he  laid  one 
just  received  away  in  his  writing-desk.  "  Sweet,  precious 
Alice !  how  little  of  earthly  dross  is  left  in  that  frail 

frame ! ' 
24 


278  WEStBROOfc     PARSONAGE. 

Warren  sighed  at  the  thought,  for  the  rapid  ripening 
of  her  Christian  character  always  came  fraught  to  him 
with  the  idea  of  translation  —  and  how  could  he  do 
without  that  beloved  sister  ?  More  powerful  than  War- 
ren dreamed  were  these  little  missives  ;  dropping,  seed 
by  seed,  the  precious  germs  of  truth,  watched  by  the  God 
of  all  grace,  though  hidden  long  beneath  a  soil  hardened 
by  procrastination  and  semi-unbelief. 


CHAPTER  XXL 

BECKONING   FINGERS. 
"  And  the  prayer  of  faith  shall  save  the  sick." 

PJHADOWS  are  thickening  at  the  parsonage,  for  Dr. 
*-)  Hastings'  health  is  seriously  affected;  a  constant 
hacking  cough,  debility,  waste  of  strength — until  at 
length  he  is  obliged  to  suspend  his  labors;  for  he  is 
alarmingly  ill. 

For  several  weeks  his  physicians  are  anxious,  doubtful 
as  to  the  result.  The  deepest  anxiety  is  manifested  by 
his  affectionate  flock,  trembling,  watching,  praying.  At 
length  a  praying  band  made  his  case  the  subject  of 
^special  prayer — and  at  that  very  hour  the  crisis  of  his 
disease  was  passed.  The  work  of  recovery  was  slow, 
until,  by  permission  of  Dr.  Lacey,  he  appeared  once 
more  among  his  people. 

It  was  in  a  meeting  for  prayer,  when  unexpectedly 
their  beloved  pastor  stood  once  more  in  their  midst. 
The  pallid  countenance,  the  faltering  footsteps,  the 
solemn,  thrilling  tones  of  his  voice  held  the  audience 
spell-bound,  as  he  acknowledged  the  hand  of  God  in 

his  restoration,  and  returned  thanks  for  the  love  that 

279 


280  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

had  watched  over  him,  and  the  prayers  that  had  brought 
him  in  their  midst  once  more. 

But  Dr.  Hastings  was  not  deceived  :  notwithstanding 
this  favorable  respite,  he  saw  the  beckoning  fingers,  he 
heard  the  whispered  words,  "  Come  up  higher,"  and  day 
by  day  he  walked  now  in  sight  of  heaven. 

Nor  was  his  faithful  wife  deceived :  she,  too,  saw  the 
beckoning  fingers,  and  heard  the  whispered  warning; 
but  she  stilled  the  beating  of  her  heart,  and  brushed 
back  the  scalding  tears,  that  she  might  minister  to  his 
comfort  and  happiness,  so  long  as  he  lingered  on  the 
shores  of  time. 

Dr.  Lacey  says  that  absolute  rest  for  one  year  is  indis 
pensable,  and  a  voyage  to  Europe  is  decided  upon.  His 
people  would  do  anything  to  lengthen  out  his  valuable 
life ;  and  furnish  means  to  send  him  abroad,  and  supply 
his  pulpit  in  his  absence. 

Every  day,  some  love  gifts  reach  the  parsonage 
Wrappers  for  the  sea,  and  for  the  land;  slippers  and 
scarfs,  furs  and  caps  —  a  dressing-case  thoroughly  fur- 
nished, and  a  writing-case  equally  complete.  Hampers 
of  delicacies,  stores  of  all  kinds  for  an  invalid  —  in  fine, 
there  was  nothing  lacking  for  the  sick  pastor,  who  had 
worn  out  his  life  in  their  service. 

Father  Morgan  sends  Allan  with  him  as  a  companion, 
at  his  own  expense.  "  For,"  said  the  good  man, "  I  would 
never  dream  of  allowing  my  Edward  to  go  on  such  a 
voyage,  alone ; "  for  although  Dr.  Hastings  has  over- 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  281 

stepped  the  boundaries  of  middle  life,  he  is  "  Edward  " 
yet  to  Father  Morgan  in  the  domestic  circle. 

"  Have  you  everything,  my  son  ?  "  said  the  good  man 
as  he  examined  the  comforts  provided  for  him. 

"  More  than  I  need,"  replied  the  pastor,  with  moist- 
ened eyes.     "  I  have  so  much  of  everything,  that  I  can 
supply  other  invalids,  if  we  have  them  on  board ;  an 
that  is  really  pleasant.    God  bless  my  precious  people ! " 

It  is  the  last  day  at  the  parsonage.  Father  Morgan, 
Dr.  Arnold,  Mrs.  Sherwood,  and  Agnes  are  present  at 
morning  prayer,  and  so  is  Warren,  who  has  been  sent 
for  to  come  home.  It  is  a  melting  season,  for  who 
knows  whether  the  same  attached  circle  will  ever  meet 
again  at  the  parsonage? 

"We  have  an  impressive  subject  for  our  morning 
texts,"  said  the  pastor ;  "  the  future  state  of  the  righteous 
and  the  wicked,  or,  in  other  words,  heaven  and  hell." 

"  This  is  my  passage,"  said  Margaret :  "  '  And  these 
shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment:  but  the 
righteous  into  life  eternal ' ' 

"  I  have  mine,  papa,"  said  Warren :  "  '  And  many  of 
them  that  sleep  in  the  dust  of  the  earth  shall  awake ; 
some  to  everlasting  life,  and  some  to  shame  and  ever- 
lasting contempt.'" 

Turning  to  Alice  with  a  very  tender  look,  he  said  :  "I 
am  waiting  for  yours,  my  daughter." 

" '  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment, 
24* 


282  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight 
of  glory.'  And  the  other,  papa :  '  The  wicked  shall  be 
turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  nations  that  forget  God.'  " 

"  Allan,  my  son,  where  is  yours  ?  " 

" '  For  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tab- 
ernacle were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  a 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.'  And 
the  other  text :  '  And  fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body, 
but  are  not  able  to  kill  the  soul ;  but  rather  fear  him 
which  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell.' " 

"  This  is  mine,  papa,"  said  Edward :  " '  Knowing  in 
yourselves  that  ye  have  in  heaven  a  better  and  enduring 
substance.'  And  the  other :  '  And  in  hell  he  lifted  up 
his  eyes,  being  in  torments,  and  seeth  Abraham  afar 
off,  and  Lazarus  in  his  bosom.' " 

Then  Lucy  read  hers :  " '  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal 
life,  and  they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  man 
pluck  them  out  of  my  hand.'  And  the  passage  for  the 
wicked :  '  Who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting  de- 
struction from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the 
glory  of  his  power.' " 

"  These  texts  are  rich  and  full,  my  children,"  said  the 
pastor,  "  declaring  in  strong  language  the  doctrine  of  a 
future  life.  May  we  be  sure  that  our  footsteps  are  tread- 
ing in  the  narrow  way  that  leads  to  heaven !  Now  let 
us  pray." 

In  earnest,  loving  words,  the  father  committed  hia 
household  to  the  covenant-keeping  care  of  God  hii 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  283 

Saviour ;  but  those  last  words  were  few,  for  his  heart 
was  full.  In  silence  he  took  leave  of  hit  own  family; 
and  then,  turning  to  Mrs.  Sherwood,  he  said : 

"  Your  kindness  will  be  remembered,  dear  friend ;  for 
your  box  contains  most  valuable  comforts." 
And  then  pressing  Dr.  Arnold's  hand,  he  said : 
"  You  will  look  after  these  dear  ones,  for  my  sake." 
He  is  passing  down  the  garden-path  now,  accompanied 
by  Allan  and  Father  Morgan ;  for  the  latter  is  to  see 
him  safely  on  board  the  steamer.     It  is  early  spring; 
and  stopping  at  the  gate,  he  turned  to  take  a  last  look 
at  the  dear  orchard,  and  to  inhale  the  perfume  of  the 
sweet  apple-blossoms,  that  will  always  bring  back  the 
memory  of  the  parsonage. 

He  is  gone ;  and  it  is  a  dreary  day  in  the  household, 
for  the  pastor  is  its  light  and  joy.  The  weary  month 
dragged  on,  for  they  were  looking  for  letters  now.  A 
short  one  from  Allan  announces  their  arrival  —  papa 
not  very  well ;  will  write  in  a  few  days.  A  longer  one, 
to  Margaret  and  Alice,  comes  in  a  few  weeks : 

"  I  am  very  busy  in  seeing  sights  now.  Papa  does  not 
always  go  ;  but  I  have  plenty  of  friends  ready  to  take 
me  everywhere.  Last  Sunday  I  went  to  the  cathedral : 
very  solemn  and  imposing,  but  no  processional  singing. 
The  choristers  entered  quietly,  took  their  seats  rever- 
ently, without  any  show;  but  the  service  was  very  im- 
pressive. I  wonder  how  our  American  ritualists  would 
like  that?  We  are  staying  now  at  the  residence  of  • 


284  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

minister  of  the  Church  of  England  —  one  of  the  choice 

spirits  of  the  day ;  and  dear  papa  and  Dr.  L do  so 

enjoy  their  intercourse  in  talking  over  the  things  of  the 
kingdom,  for  they  are  kindred  spirits,  with  like  views 
of  almost  everything.  Papa  is  certainly  better.  Every- 
thing is  done  for  his  comfort.  His  cough  is  not  so  trou- 
blesome ;  his  flesh  and  strength  are  increasing ;  but  he 
does  not  attempt  any  labor.  Assure  Dr.  Lacey  that  I 
will  always  protect  him  from  importunity.  In  a  few 
days  we  are  going  on  a  short  tour  to  the  Lakes,  in  com- 
pany with  Dr.  L and  his  son  George,  a  very  nice 

youth,  with  whom  I  am  quite  intimate. 

"  I  do  not  entirely  neglect  my  studies,  for  papa  keeps 
a  watch  upon  that.  How  is  dear,  precious  Alice  ?  Do 
write  me  a  long  letter.  And  Warren,  too,  dear  fellow ! 
I  wish  that  I  could  see  his  bright  face,  and  hear  his  firm 
step  once  more !  And  Dr.  Arnold,  dear,  valued  friend ! 
I  suppose  that  Margaret  and  he  take  the  walks  on  the 
creek,  and  up  and  down  the  students'  path  at  Little 
Rugby,  yet.  Some  of  these  days,  I  look  for  nothing  else 
but  a  flitting  from  the  dear  old  parsonage  of  our  elder 
sister  to  that  hall  of  science.  Well,  Heaven  bless  our 
darling  Margaret !  If  she  is  to  leave  us,  I  would  rather 
that  it  should  be  with  Dr.  Arnold  than  any  one  else. 
Now,  don't  blush,  sister  dear! 

"  I  suppose  that  you  see"  Agnes  every  day.  I  fancy 
her  daily  visits  to  the  couch  of  Alice,  smell  her  sweet 
flowers,  and  imagine  her  little  baskets  of  fruit.  I  wish 


WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE.  285 

that  I  could  just  have  one  peep  at  the  sweet  face  —  one 
grasp  of  the  little  1  and.  When  the  pictures  come, 
can't  you  contrive,  in  some  way,  to  send  me  hers  ?  She 
need  not  know  it ;  but,  if  she  gives  you  any,  you  can 
spare  me  one.  My  best  —  my  warmest  love  to  dear 
mamma !  How  lonely  she  must  be  without  our  father ! 
Kisses  to  all  the  household  circle,  and  a  good,  hearty 
shake  of  the  hand  to  good  old  Debby  and  Jane.  I  could 
write  pages  more  ;  but  the  carriage  is  at  the  door  to  take 
us  out  to  dinner.  Farewell,  my  precious  sisters !  Write 
soon  and  fully  to  your  loving  brother,  ALLAN." 

Over  and  over  again  did  they  read  this  free,  affec- 
tionate epistle,  and  soon  despatched  the  journal  that  they 
kept  of  daily  life  at  the  parsonage,  that  the  two  absent 
ones  might  enjoy  the  blessedness  of  their  distant  home. 

Father  Morgan  is  almost  a  weekly  visitor  now ;  and 
Dr.  Arnold,  too,  takes  abundant  advantage  of  the  pas- 
tor's last  request  — transacting  their  business  and  seeing 
that  everything  is  comfortable  around  them. 

The  winter  is  remarkably  cold ;  and  it  gives  them  joy 
to  know  that  dear  papa  is  spending  it  in  the  balmy  cli- 
mate of  the  South  of  France.  Although  improving,  still 
beckoning  fingers  from  the  heavenly  turrets  are  calling 
him  home.  Of  that  his  dear  companion  is  well  assured 
by  the  increased  spirituality  of  his  letters,  from  which 
we  give  an  extract : 

"  Just  as  near  to  heaven,  dearest,  when  I  write  from 


286  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Pau,  as  from  the  study  at  Westbrook  ;  for  very  precious 
is  my  communion  with  our  dear  Lord  in  this  distant 
land.  I  have  learned  to  resign  myself  and  you,  and  our 
beloved  children,  all  entirely  into  His  hands,  willing  that 
He  should  do  with  us  just  as  seemeth  right  to  Him. 

"  We  have  had  a  blessed  life  together,  with  no  ripple 
to  disturb  our  perfect  harmony,  and  with  the  hope  of 
spending  our  eternity  in  the  presence  of  our  Lord  and 
Master.  We  can  bless  Him,  Emily,  for  this  hitherto 
happy  life;  and  if  it  is  His  will  to  call  me  over  the  river 
first,  you  will  learn  to  say,  '  Even  so,  Father.'  Time 
and  its  sorrows  are  very  short ;  eternity,  with  its  bless- 
edness, none  of  us  can  measure. 

"My  health  is  much  better,  so  that  I  anticipate  a 
return  to  my  labors  among  my  beloved  people  ;  but  still 
this  worn-out  frame  cannot  last  many  years,  and  we  must 
learn  to  contemplate  the  possibility  of  separation.  When 
we  realize  that  every  step  of  our  way  is  appointed  by 
our  Master,  all  that  we  have  to  do  from  day  to  day  is  to 
take  our  pilgrim-staff  in  hand,  and  march  gladly  where 
He  appoints. 

"  Allan  has  been  a  great  comfort.  So  thoughtful,  so 
devoted,  so  spiritual ;  his  thoughts  all  turning  seriously 
to  the  ministry  of  our  blessed  Lord.  He  is  twenty  now, 
and  will  be  ready  to  enter  the  seminary  when  we  return. 
How  sweet  that  word  looks !  You  may  see  it  realized 
in  the  spring,  if  the  Lord  wills  it  so.  I  am  glad  to  hear 
what  you  say  of  Margaret  —  truly  our  'pearl,'  as  her 
name  indicates.  The  attachment  between  our  daughter 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  287 

and  Dr.  Arnold  has  my  full  approval.  As  an  earnest 
Christian,  I  do  not  know  his  equal.  May  God  bless 
them  both ! 

••  And  precious  Alice  !  God  is  leading  her  by  another 
way  home  to  heaven  — our  sweet  lily  of  the  valley,  send- 
ing out  her  fragrance  all  around  her  lowly  path.  Her 
letters  are  so  comforting !  Doubtless  there  will  be  many 
in  her  crown  of  glory  that  the  dear  girl  dreams  not  of 
now,  for  she  has  been  a  blessed  member  of  the  Pastor's 
Aid.  How  well  I  remember  the  day  when  she  came  to 
me  with  her  puzzled  face,  wondering  '  How,  when,  where 
she  could  do  some  good  ?  —  she,  a  little  girl ! '  She  has 
learned,  dearest  —  has  she  not  ?  —  in  the  school  of  the 
Redeemer.  What  a  blessed  Teacher  we  have ! 

"  And  dear,  captious  Warren !  I  have  many  hopes  of 
him ;  for  I  am  pretty  sure  that  the  intellect  is  well  for- 
tified on  the  subject  of  religion,  notwithstanding  his 
questions  and  criticisms.  It  is  the  heart,  that  needs 
renewal :  that  is  the  citadel  of  opposition.  What  a 
stalwart  Christian  he  will  make !  I  am  glad  to  hear 
such  a  good  account  of  Edward,  for  Dr.  Arnold's  com- 
mendation means  a  great  deal.  And  Lucy,  too  —  our 
sunbeam  ;  tell  her  that  I  am  delighted  with  her  school 
reports.  My  best  love  and  a  pastor's  blessing  to  Agnes 
and  her  mother,  and  to  the  Laceys  especially.  May 
God  have  you  all  in  His  holy  Raping  until  we  meel 
again,  prays  your  affectionate  husband, 

"EDWARD  HASTINGS." 


288  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

The  winter  has  passed  away.  Dr.  Hastings  is  much 
better ;  and  after  a  short  passage  across  the  Atlantic,  we 
find  him  in  the  spring  safely  landed  at  New  York,  where 
Father  Morgan  is  ready  to  meet  him.  A  swift  journey 
brings  him  in  sight  of  the  dear  parsonage,  after  an  ab- 
sence of  twelve  months. 

They  are  at  the  gate  now,  and  the  perfume  of  the 
apple-blossoms  fills  their  hearts  with  silent  joy,  for  it 
comes  from  the  dear  old  orchard.  A  quick  raising  of 
the  parlor  shades,  a  rush  into  the  hall,  and  in  another 
moment  Dr.  Hastings  is  in  the  midst  of  his  overjoyed 
family — mamma  and  Margaret  clasping  each  arm,  Alice 
shedding  quiet,  happy  tears,  and  Warren  dashing  moist- 
ure from  his  eyes  too  —  all  so  blessed  in  this  reunion. 

"  You  look  so  much  better,  papa,"  said  Margaret. 
"  Almost  well,  I  hope ! " 

"  I  am  better,  much  stronger,  my  cough  relieved,  and 
ready  for  work  once  more." 

Warren  has  graduated  with  high  honors ;  Edward  and 
Lucy  have  grown  so  much ;  but  Alice,  their  sweet  lily  of 
the  valley,  looks  so  much  more  frail  than  when  he  went 
away. 

"  She  suffers  much  more,"  said  the  mother  in  answer 
to  the  questioning  look;  "but,"  in  a  whisper,  "so  patient, 
Edward !  it  almost  breaks  the  heart  to  see  her,  some- 
times." 

Mrs.  Sherwood  has  seen  the  carriage,  and,  with  A.gne8, 
is  at  the  parsonage  to  welcome  the  travellers.  A  bright, 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  289 

swift  blush  suffused  the  lovely  face  of  the  younger,  as 
she  welcomed  Allan  home  again. 

"  It  has  been  such  a  long  absence,  Agnes,"  said  the 
youth  aside  to  the  young  girl;  "but  we  will  have  the 
walks  again  —  only  for  a  little  while,  however;  for  I  am 
to  go  to  the  seminary  in  the  fall." 

"  For  how  long,  Allan  ?  " 

"For  two  years,  and  then  I  shall  be  ready  for  the 
ministry  of  the  Lord  Jesus." 

Father  Morgan  has  miserable  accounts  to  give  of  the 
progress  of  ritualism  in  the  Church  that  he  loves. 

"  Would  you  believe  it,  Edward,  that  they  have  cele- 
brated the  feast  of  Corpus  Christi  in  our  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church?" 

"  The  steps  forward  are  very  rapid,  Father,"  answered 
the  pastor. 

"  Never  say  that  again,  Edward :  they  are  all  steps 
backward,  my  son,  to  the  mediseval  days;  those  days 
of  superstition." 

"  Is  there  nothing  to  check  these  proceedings,  Father 
Morgan  ?  " 

"  Not  in  this  diocese,  Edward ;  they  seem  to  have  it 
all  their  own  way;  but  it  cannot  be  so  always — there  is 
a  deep  undercurrent  setting  in  another  channel." 

The  sight  of  the  dear  pastor  in  the  pulpit  of  St.  Bar- 
nabas' once  more,  was  indeed  an  occasion  of  rejoicing  to 
his  flock,  testifying  their  joy  in  the  sweet  chimes  that 
pealed  forth  on  the  first  Sunday  morning,  from  the 
26  T 


290  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

church-tower.  Arriving  on  Saturday,  it  was  not  gener- 
ally known  on  that  day ;  but  as  the  people  met  at  the 
church-door,  the  joyful  news  spread  rapidly,  and  it  was 
understood,  now,  why  the  church -bells  rang  out  sucn 
joyful  peals.  It  was  a  blessed  day  to  Dr.  Hastings,  for 
he  loved  his  holy  work,  and  the  sight  of  these  familiar 
faces,  all  looking  so  happy,  woke  a  new  throb  of  grati- 
tude in  the  pastor's  heart.  Still,  in  his  hours  of  retire- 
ment, the  beckoning  fingers  and  the  whispering  voices 
quieted  the  pulses  of  hope  ;  and  in  quiet  resignation  to 
the  will  of  God,  he  pursued  his  blessed  work  of  having 
souls. 

Agnes  Sherwood  is  eighteen,  and  is  about  to  celebrate 
her  birthday  at  Englesby  Terrace.  The  parlors  are 
thrown  open,  beautifully  decorated  with  flowers,  and 
Agnes,  in  her  dress  of  soft,  thin  muslin,  is  ready  to  receive 
her  guests.  Her  only  ornaments,  lovely  white  flowers  in 
her  glossy  black  hair,  and  a  set  of  jet  and  pearls,  the 
birthday  gift  of  her  mother.  The  Hastings  family,  the 
Laceys,  and  the  Arnolds  are  the  only  invited  guests. 
Alice  is  brought  on  her  couch,  for  it  is  one  of  her  best 
days ;  she  enjoys  the  music  and  the  social  intercourse. 
and  is  ready  with  her  pretty  gift  of  an  embroidered 
toilet-cushion,  the  work  of  her  own  hands.  A  beautiful 
basket  of  flowers,  arranged  by  Margaret  and  Allan,  is 
placed  in  the  centre  of  the  supper-table.  Agnes'  harp. 
Margaret's  piano,  Warren  and  Allan's  flute,  aui  tb< 
irnmcd  voices  of  all,  make  enchanting  music;  and  the 
parents  of  the  young  people  are  quietly  enjoying  the 


WESTS  ROOK     PARSONAGE.  291 

sight  of  their  happiness.  Mrs.  Sherwood  and  the  good 
pastor  are  sitting  apart  from  the  rest,  engaged  in  pleas- 
ant chat. 

"  Does  it  please  you,  Dr.  Hastings,  to  see  the  growing 
attachment  out  there?"  pointing  to  Allan  and  Agnes, 
who  were  plucking  some  flowers  in  the  conservatory. 

"  They  seem  very  happy  in  each  other's  society,  my 
friend,"  was  the  reply ;  "  and  I  see  no  reason  for  check- 
ing it,  if  you  do  not." 

"  I  could  have  wished  no  better  choice,"  said  the 
mother  ;  "  for  Allan  is  everything  that  one  could  wish." 

"  Only  a  poor  clergyman's  son,  madam :  a  very  un- 
equal match  for  Agnes  Sherwood." 

"  I  desire  nothing  but  what  I  find  in  Allan,"  said 
the  mother ;  "  but  really  we  are  in  a  hurry  settling 
affairs  for  them,"  she  continued,  "when  nothing  has 
been  said  to  me  by  either  upon  the  subject." 

Supper  is  announced,  and  gathered  around  a  table 
spread  abundantly  with  delicacies,  the  well -assorted 
guests  spent  a  happy  hour  ;  at  the  close,  each  one 
taking  away  the  bouquet  found  at  the  place  assigned. 

Once  more  in  the  drawing-room,  a  side-door  opened, 
disclosing  Agnes'  class  of  little  girls  from  the  mission 
on  the  hill,  all  made  very  happy  by  a  neat  outfit  for  the 
autumn,  and  a  good  supper.  After  they  had  all  par- 
taken, the  children  were  entertained  by  some  of  the 
sweet  music,  and,  in  their  turn,  sang  a  very  pretty  hymn, 
accompanied  by  Miss  Agnes  on  the  piano. 


292  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

It  had  been  indeed  a  happy  birthday,  with  no  draw- 
back but  the  pastor's  delicate  health,  and  Alice  Hast- 
tings'  exceedingly  frail  appearance. 

In  a  day  or  two  after  the  party,  Warren  took  leave 
of  the  dear  ones  once  more,  to  settle  in  New  York,  where 
he  was  to  read  law  with  his  Uncle  Richard. 

"  You  will  be  quite  in  your  element,  brother,"  said 
Alice ;  "  plenty  of  argument,  and  you  know  that  is  your 
delight." 

"  I  shall  miss  you,  pet,"  was  the  reply ;  "  but  just 
keep  a  journal  for  me,  and  send  it  every  Saturday,  and 
then  I  shall  know  all  that  goes  on  here  at  the  dear  old 
parsonage." 

"  I  will,  dear,  whenever  I  am  able." 

"  Don't  hurt  yourself  on  my  account,  Alice ;  but 
whenever  you  can,  remember  me,  so  far  away  from 
home." 

"  Not  so  far,  Warren ;  you  can  run  down  in  a  few 
hours." 

"  Yes,  I  know  ;  but  I  must  be  diligent.  I  can  spend 
Sunday  with  you  sometimes.  But,  Alice,  I  want  to 
whisper  a  word:  what  do  you  think  of  Agnes,  for  a 
sister  ?  " 

"  Think,  Warren !  I  should  be  so  happy  —  but  do 
you  think  it  is  really  so  ?  " 

"  I  think  that  is  the  road  good  old  Allan  is  trav- 
elling, and  she  would  just  suit  for  a  minister's  wife 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  293 

But,  good-by,  pet.     Now  take  care  of  yourself,  for  my 
sake." 

Warren  is  gone,  to  prepare  for  life  in  the  great 
metropolis  —  Allan  is  going  in  a  few  weeks  to  the  semi- 
nary, and  so  the  family  circle  is  dwindling  slowly.  The 
beckoning  fingers  still  calling  home  the  beloved  pastor, 
seen  oniy  oy  himself. 
26* 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

"CBABGE,    CHESTER,   CHARGE!    ON,   STANLEY,   OH  I " 

"  Beloved,  when  I  gave  all  diligence  to  write  unto  you  of  me  com- 
mon salvation,  it  was  needful  for  me  to  write  unto  you,  and  exhort  you 
that  ye  should  earnestly  contend  for  the  faith  which  was  once  delivered 
to  the  saints." 

A  LLAN  is  ready  for  departure  to  the  seminary,  and 
-"•  Agnes  is  looking  forward  to  a  long  separation ;  and 
then  their  pilgrim  steps  will  travel  side  by  side  in  the 
service  of  their  dear  Lord. 

Father  Morgan  is  at  the  expense  of  his  theological 
education,  and,  after  a  tender  leave-taking,  accompanies 
his  ward,  that  he  may  see  him  in  comfortable  quarters, 
and  well  provided  with  all  that  he  needs. 

Returning  home  by  the  way  of  New  York,  the  good 
man  has  tarried  a  few  days  in  the  metropolis,  and  writes 
home  to  Dr.  Hastings  : 

"  Yesterday,  I  dropped  in  a  moment  at  St.  Agapius', 
for  I  had  heard  that  Vincent  was  one  of  the  assistants, 
and  wished  to  know  the  truth.  It  was  indeed  with  feel- 
ings of  real  sorrow  that  I  beheld  our  young  friend 
habited  in  the  tawdry  millinery  of  that  school,  partak- 
ing in  its  services. 

294 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  295 

"  He  does  not  look  happy,  Edward ;  and  I  hope  in  his 
case,  that  when  the  novelty  has  passed  away,  he  will  ro 
turn  to  the  old  paths.  I  was  present,  too,  at  the  public 
reprimand  of  one  of  our  most  zealous  young  preachers 
of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus ;  and  I  can  assure  you  that 
my  heart  burned  within  me  when  I  remembered  the 
shameful  innovations  at  St.  Agapius'  all  unnoticed,  and 
the  alleged  irregularity  of  this  young  servant  of  the 
Lord  so  publicly  reproved.  If  his  was  a  violation  of 
canon  law,  let  others  be  brought  before  the  proper  tribu- 
nals, too  :  let  there  be  justice,  uniformity  in  the  services 
of  our  Protestant  Episcopal  Church;  but  where  are  the 
presenters  of  such  ?  Have  we  no  laws  to  reach  them  ? 
If  we  have  not,  let  us  make  them  speedily,  or  we  are 
gone  as  a  protesting  branch  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

"  I  stepped  in  at  one  of  their  meetings,  and  felt  my 
checks  burn  at  the  congratulations  exchanged  upon  the 
progress  of  their  mummeries.  The  whole  burden  of  the 
speeches,  '  Try,  try,  try ;  write,  write,  write ;  watch, 
watch,  watch  ;  preach,  preach,  preach.' 

"We  Americans  must  have  show  in  every  thing :  hence 
it  must  be  brought  into  the  Church  of  God,  that  the 
higher  classes  may  worship  God  in  a  manner  different 
from  our  humbler  brethren.  The  sappers  are  getting 
bolder  every  day,  advocating  sisterhoods,  confession, 
etc.,  etc. ;  and  yet  a  strait-laced  severity  is  dealt  out  to 
violators  of  questions  of  discipline,  while  the  sappers 
and  miners,  who  are  undermining  the  faith  of  the  Church, 


296  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

work  on  unchecked.  Iron  canon-law  for  the  teachere  of 
a  simple  Gospel,  but  a  quiet  opening  of  many  little 
secret  dcors  for  the  ritualists,  that  the  '  blessed  calm '  of 
the  Church  may  be  maintained  —  that '  holy  equipoise ' 
which  leans  all  on  one  side.  '  Open  the  little  doors 
quietly,  be  careful  that  there  is  no  creaking,'  say  the  lead- 
ers ;  '  but  keep  them  open.' 

"Edward  Hastings,  my  dear  son,  there  never  was, 
there  never  can  be  a  blessed  calm,  when  the  true  faith 
left  us  by  inspired  Apostles  is  openly  or  secretly  at- 
tacked. We  have  three  classes  to  contend  with :  one, 
and  that  a  large  class,  who  say,  '  Let  them  alone,  the  evil 
will  oure  itself/  a  system  tried  since  the  days  of  Pusey 
aud  Newman,  and  we  see  its  fruits.  Then  another 
smaller  class,  who  are  led  by  the  attractions  of  the 
ritual,  a  poetic,  sentimental  company,  who  do  not  see  the 
specious  poison  infused  through  this  outward  show.  A 
third  and  more  daring  class  are  the  openly  avowed 
ritualists,  who  advocate  a  return  to  the  practices  of  the 
mediaeval  days,  with  all  their  false  doctrines.  This  is 
what  we  have  to  contend  wij,h,  and  God  defend  the  right. 

"  I  have  just  read  Bishop  Melville's  address  upon  the 
subject  of  '  Processional  Singing  by  Surpliced  Choirs,' 
demoli  .-ning  the  last  plank,  I  think ;  and  Dr.  Harris' 
noble  sermon  on  the  subject  of  '  Christian  Worship  not 
Symbolical,'  calculated  to  enlighten  the  minds  of  the 
masses  of  our  people.  Let  us  have  sermons,  tracts,  books, 
prayers,  action,  in  our  beloved  Church.  We  know  that 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  297 

our  Lord  has  His  little  flock  everywhere  throughout  the 
world ;  and  to  such  he  says,  '  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always, 
unto  the  end  of  the  world.'  Let  that  be  our  joy,  our 
comfort  in  these  days  of  abounding  error  and  deep  trial. 
"  Will  you  send  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention, 
aud  call  a  meeting  of  the  clergy?  We  have  failed  once 
before  the  General  Convention,  but  we  must  knock 
again.  With  a  father's  love  to  all  the  dear  family  at 
Westbrook,  I  am  yours  in  Christian  bonds, 

"ALLAN  MORGAN" 

Father  Morgan  has  not  given  up  George  Vincent,  and 
cannot  leave  New  York  without  paying  him  a  visit. 
He  is  received  cordially;  for  the  young  man  cannot 
forget  the  kindness  of  his  old  friend. 

"  And  so  I  see  you  among  the  ritualists,"  said  the 
aged  minister,  laying  his  hand  upon  his  shoulder.  "  Are 
you  happy,  George  ?  " 

"  I  enjoy  the  reverence  in  the  worship  at  St.  Agapius', 
Father  Morgan." 

"  Reverence  for  what,  George  ?  Exploded  practices  ? 
for  showy,  tinselled  decorations,  in  the  place  of  spiritual 
worship  ?  I  trust  that  the  day  will  come  when  you  will 
see  your  folly." 

"  You  will  acknowledge,  Father  Morgan,  that  there  is 
solemnity  in  the  services." 

"  T  make  no  such  admission,  George ;  for  I  presume 
that  the  same  emotions  fill  the  mind  in  an  opera-house 


298  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

or  a  concert-room ;  for,  only  the  other  day,  I  heard  a 
gentleman  say,  '  I  was  in  a  strange  city  on  Sunday,  and 
entered,  not  a  theatre,  not  an  opera-house,  not  a  concert- 
room,  but  a  Protestant  Episcopal  Church.'  This  was  the 
way  that  it  struck  a  stranger." 

"When  was  there  ever  a  more  gorgeous  ceremonial 
than  in  the  Jewish  temple?  and  that  was  of  God's  mvu 
devising,"  said  the  young  man. 

"  We  are  not  Jews,  but  Christians,  George ;  and  think 
what  a  miserable  sham  these  modern  ritualists  give  us 
of  that  grand  and  divinely-ordered  ritual?  Where  is 
the  ever  burning  fire  upon  the  altar  first  kindled  from 
heaven  ?  Where  the  ark  of  the  covenant  and  the  cher- 
ubim of  glory  overshadowing  the  mercy-seat,  and  the 
Urim  and  Thuminim,  and  the  indwelling  Shechinah  ? 
Is  this  pitiful  mimicry  a  substitute  for  the  Aaronic 
priesthood?  —  these  tawdry  vestments  the  garments  of 
glory  and  beauty?  — this  bowing  and  bending  and  cross- 
ing before  a  gaping  crowd  —  is  this  the  solemn  and  rev- 
erent ministration  of  anointed  Aaron  and  his  sons? 
No,  no,  my  son !  That  grandeur  all  has  passed  away, 
never  to  be  restored ;  for  we  have  the  glorious  Gospel, 
the  grandeur  of  the  new  dispensation  which  the  Jewish 
ritual  typified.  May  God  reveal  its  glory  to  you,  my 
dear  son,  ere  you  are  completely  Romanized.  But,  fare- 
well now  I  must  be  going.  God  defend  our  Reformed 
Church ! " 

With  a  heart  bowed  down  in  sorrow,  Father  Morgan 


WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE.  299 

returned  to  Westbrook.  and  waited  for  the  gathering  of 
the  clergy. 

Dr.  Nelson,  with  his  stalwart  Protestantism ;  Mr. 
Thayrr,  with  his  loving  spirit ;  Dr.  Hastings,  with  his 
calm,  well-balanced  mind ;  Father  Morgan,  with  his 
Scriptural  knowledge  and  lively  faith  —  all  were  there, 
and  many  other  faithful  sons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  guided  by  these  leaders.  Father  Morgan,  the 
oldest  of  the  brethren,  is  chairman  of  the  meeting,  and, 
in  his  own  impressive  manner,  made  known  its  object: 

"  We  need  not  disguise  the  fact,  dear  brethren,  that 
we  have  the  battle  of  the  Reformation  to  fight  over 
again.  We  are  in  the  midst  of  tumult,  but  not  of  our 
making.  It  commenced  across  the  water.  With  whom  ? 
With  Cecil,  Venn,  McNeill  ?  or  with  Pusey,  Newman, 
and  Keble?  With  William  Wilberforce,  or  Archdeacon 
\Vilberforce  ?  In  our  land,  with  the  sainted  Bishops 

Moore,  Meade,  and  Griswold  ?  or  with  Doctors  D , 

M ,  V ?  It  is  easy  to  answer  these  questions. 

The  disturbers  of  our  peace  are  in  harmony  with  Rome, 
the  old  disturbers  of  the  flock  of  Christ ;  and  we  must 
prepare  for  the  conflict.  It  is  not  merely  the  foppery 
of  ritualism  that  we  are  to  withstand,  for  that,  some- 
times, is  simply  ridiculous ;  but  we  are  called  to  with- 
stand the  doctrines  that  they  inculcate,  so  utterly  at 
variance  with  the  teachings  of  the  Reformation.  Nor 
is  it  men  that  we  are  to  attack;  for  there  are  several 
types  among  the  advocates  of  the  exploded  theoloejv  — 


300  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

I  he  conservative,  who  sometimes,  by  their  timidity, 
strengthen  the  enemy ;  the  decided,  open,  out-and-out 
r.tualist,  who  avows  the  design  of  unprotestantizing  the 
(.liurch  ;  and  the  poetic,  the  sentimental,  led  away  by 
tie  sensuous  display. 

"  We  must  meet  them  all  with  calm,  firm,  unflinching 
d«  termination  to  give  not  one  inch  of  ground  to  Popery ; 
fo  r  this  it  is,  and  not  quite  so  much  disguised  as  formerly. 
But  it  must  be  in  a  spirit  of  love  that  we  contend,  with 
not  one  uncharitable  speech,  not  one  attack  upon  human 
motives ;  for  God  only  can  deal  with  these  secret  movers 
of  human  action." 

Then  arose  Mr.  Thayer,  with  his  loving,  heavenly 
•emper  in  full  exercise : 

"  Brethren,  I  came  here  directly  from  the  mercy-seat ; 
for  when  human  passions  are  stirred  so  deeply,  it  behooves 
us  to  keep  very  near  the  Master,  lest  we  offend  against 
the  law  of  love.  We  see  yet  through  a  glass  darkly,  but 
our  Lord  and  Master  face  to  face.  To  Him,  then,  let  us 
leave  the  motives  of  our  brethren,  and  love  their  im- 
mortal spirits  still,  remembering  that  for  them,  as  well 
as  us,  our  Master  died.  But  the  doctrines  which  they 
Arould  teach,"  and  here  his  fine  eye  kindled,  "  let  us  not 
tolerate  for  one  moment,  in  any  shape,  open  or  disguised, 
if  they  touch  wMi  the  slightest  finger  one  of  the  bul- 
warks of  the  Reformation." 

Then  rose  Dr.  Nelson : 

"I  own  myself  rebuked  by  the  speech  of  Brother 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  301 

Thayer ;  for  very  much  of  human  feeling  has  been 
mingled  with  my  protest  against  ritualism.  I  thank 
him  for  his  Christian  counsel,  and  trust  that  we  may  all 
have  grace  to  follow  it.  Let  there  be  union  among  us 
in  "no  thing — opposition  to  any  approach  to  Romanism 
in  our  reformed  Church.  Let  us  stand  by  our  Articles, 
and  labor  and  pray  and  wait  for  the  day  when  offices 
and  articles  shall  mutually  explain  each  other.  We  are 
on  the  borders  of  our  Red  Sea,  brethren.  Let  us  watch 
for  the  word  of  command  which  bids  us  go  over." 

Every  eye  was  now  turned  upon  Dr.  Hastings,  who, 
with  a  very  solemn  look,  arose : 

"  It  may  not  be  long,  dear  brethren,  that  I  sit  among 
you  in  your  councils ;  for  there  are  beckoning  fingers 
daily  around  my  path,  that  point  upward  to  a  land 
where  strife  and  discord  are  words  unknown.  But  while 
I  tarry  here,  let  me  add  my  word.  We  believe  that  in 
all  ages  of  the  world  God  has  stood  by  His  own  Church, 
to  defend  her  from  her  enemies.  Let  us  do  our  duty ; 
give  not  one  inch  to  the  adversary.  Remain  firm  and 
true  to  the  great  principles  of  the  Reformation,  and  then 
'stand  still,  and  see  the  salvation  of  God; '  for  He  will 
save  us.  It  may  not  be  in  the  way  that  we  suppose,  but 
He  is  with  His  own,  and  will  bring  the  little  flock 
safely  through.  And  here  let  me  quote,  dear  brethren, 
the  words  of  a  beloved  bishop  of  our  Church,  in  the  very 
camp  of  ritualism.  It  is  such  a  beautiful  picture  of 

what  we  long  for,  that  I  would  bring  it  to  your  memory : 
26 


302  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

'A  bright  vision  has  oft  risen  before  my  mind  of  t 
Church,  pure  and  primitive,  combining  the  early  organ- 
ization, zeal,  and  love,  with  the  freshness,  energy,  and 
progressiveness  of  the  times ;  gathering  from  past  ages 
experience,  wisdom,  and  liturgic  treasures,  while  dis- 
carding utterly  all  corrupt  additions,  and  cleansing  the 
temple  from  all  profane  intrusions.  Conservative,  with- 
out being  narrow  and  bigoted;  liberal,  without  being 
lax ;  a  true  interpreter  of  Holy  Writ,  and  yet  referring 
all  men,  not  to  her  own  interpretations,  but  to  the  living 
oracles ;  rebuking  with  power,  worldliness  and  wicked- 
ness, sympathizing  with  all  that  is  good  and  heaven- 
born  ;  a  rallying  point  for  those  who  are  weary  of 
sectarian  strife ;  a  candlestick  of  the  Lord,  whose  radi- 
ance should  illumine  our  cities  and  forests,  our  moun- 
tains and  plains.  Is  such  an  ideal  never  to  be  realized  ? 
Is  it  but  a  dream  and  a  cloud-picture  ? ' ' 

Dr.  Hastings  sat  down  amid  a  silence  so  deep  that 
for  a  few  minutes  none  seemed  disposed  to  break  it. 

Then  spoke  Father  Morgan : 

"  That  was  a  charming  picture,  brethren,  but,  I  fear. 
o->t  very  soon  to  be  realized.  We  must  go  through  the 
wilderness  to  reach  our  Canaan.  The  action  of  the  last 
General  Convention  disappointed  us,  but  there  may  be 
great  changes  ere  the  next. 

"In  the  days  of  the  great  Reformation,  God  raised  up 
His  Luther  to  do  His  work.  In  the  midst  of  that  day 
of  darkness  and  corruption  that  giant  mind  strode  on, 


WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE.  303 

striking  with  his  sturdy  hammer  on  the  anvil  —  striking 
boldly,  steadily.  Out  flashed  the  fiery  Gospel,  consum- 
ing the  debris  of  ages.  Where  is  our  Luther  now? 
Corruptions  in  the  Church  are  multiplying.  Will  this 
falling  away  culminate,  at  length,  in  such  a  mass  of 
superstition  and  anti-Christian  doctrine  that  it  may 
require  the  fires  of  the  Second  Advent  to  purify  the 
Church? 

"  Is  this  the  great  apostasy  spoken  of  in  the  New  Tes- 
tament? Will  there  be  another  Luther?  Or  will 
Christ  Himself  consume  every  anti-Christian  system  of 
idolatry  by  the  whirlwind  of  fire  at  His  coming  ?  These 
are  solemn  questions,  brethren.  God  only  cau  answer 
them.  Let  us  be  found  at  our  posts,  contending  against 
Antichrist  in  every  form  —  working,  praying,  trusting." 

Every  true  son  of  the  Episcopal  Church  was  deeply 
stirred,  and  a  committee  appointed  to  collect  facts 
from  time  to  time,  to  keep  minutes,  and,  at  the  proper 
season,  to  appeal  once  more  to  the  General  Convention, 
asking  at  least  for  liberty  in  the  interpretation  of  our 
canons,  and  uniformity  in  the  conducting  of  our  ser- 
vices ;  begging,  at  the  same  time,  for  a  revision  of  those 
terms  which  seem  to  favor  the  doctrines  of  the  ritualists. 

Solemn  prayer  closed  the  meeting ;  and  after  the  ad- 
journment, Father  Morgan  said : 

"  Stop  a  minute,  brethren,  lest  we  forget  that  aggres- 
sion upon  the  enemy  of  our  Church  is  duty  now.  Let 
me  repeat  the  words  of  Dr.  McNeill,  of  Liverpool,  to 


304  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

two  Bishops  of  the  Church  of  England  on  a  similar 
occasion."  And  here  the  old  man  raised  his  arm  to 
heaven,  while  his  eye  glowed  with  youthful  fire,  and  his 
voice,  in  tones  that  thrilled  every  one,  called  out : 
"  Charge,  Chester,  charge !  On,  Stanley,  on !  till  we 
rout  the  last  foe  of  the  Reformation." 

It  had  been  a  trumpet-call,  indeed;  for,  gathering 
around  the  speaker,  hands  clasped  with  fervor,  eyes 
glistening  with  feeling,  and  voices,  deep  and  full, 
replied :  "  We  are  ready  to  follow  the  Master  in  the 
defence  of  his  Gospel,  God  being  our  helper."  And  every 
voice  repeated  solemnly,  "  Amen.  Amen  1 " 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

MUFFLED   BELLS. 

"  But  I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant,  brethren,  concer  nng 
them  which  are  asleep,  that  yo  sorrow  not,  even  as  others  which 
hare  no  hope. 

"  For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them 
also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him." 

T71ADING  slowly,  surely,  the  beloved  rector  of  St. 
-L  Barnabas'  was  passing  away  from  his  people.  The 
summer  of  his  return  was  full  of  hope,  but  not  to  him- 
self. The  autumn  came,  with  its  whispered  warnings, 
its  falling  leaves,  its  sighing  winds  around  the  parson- 
age. Every  heart  felt  the  approach  of  a  sorrowful 
presence.  But  it  came  in  the  form  of  an  angel ;  for, 
with  the  sorrow  came  the  healing,  and  they  told  their 
tale  of  grief  not  yet  to  each  other,  but  to  their  Lord  and 
Master,  each  one  for  him  or  herself ;  and  so  they  walked 
peacefully  in  the  path  that  He  had  marked  out. 

The  winter  came,  with  its  sharp,  fierce  breath ;  and 
the  pastor  seldom  went  out  to  church  now  at  night.  The 
Sunday-school  teachers,  "  a  part  of  his  own  family,"  as 
he  called  them,  assembled  once  a  month  at  the  par- 
sonage, and  the  choir  weekly.  Very  precious  were 
26«  U  '  806 


306  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

these  gatherings   now ;    for  the  nameless  fears  of  ap- 
proaching separation  agitated  every  bosom. 

Dr.  Hastings  had  fine  musical  tastes,  composing  sacred 
music  himself,  and  took  his  seat  at  the  organ  at  all  these 
meetings  of  the  choir.  It  was  so  sweet  to  fee!  that  all 
who  composed  that  band  indulged  the  same  hopes  of  u 
blessed  resurrection,  when  they  should  sing  in  the  glo- 
rious kingdom  the  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb ;  for 
every  member  of  the  choir  was  a  communicant  of  t;ie 
church.  It  is  still  his  blessed  privilege  to  conduct  the 
services  of  family  prayer;  and  we  will  join  them  once 
more,  perhaps  for  the  last  time  this  side  of  heaven. 

"  Our  subject  to-day,  my  daughter  ?  "  said  the  pastor. 

And  Margaret  replied :  "  The  second  coming  of  our 
Lord ;  and  this  is  my  text :  '  For  this  we  say  unto  you 
by  the  word  of  the  Lord,  that  we  which  are  alive,  and 
remain  unto  the  coming  of  the  Lord,  shall  not  prevent 
them  which  are  asleep.  For  the  Lord  himself  shall 
descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the 
archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God :  and  the  dead  in 
Christ  shall  rise  first.  Then  we  which  are  alive  and 
remain,  shall  be  caught  up  together  with  them  in  the 
clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air :  and  so  shall  we  ever 
be  with  the  Lord.' " 

"  What  have  you,  Alice  ?  " 

"  'Behold,  he  cometh  with  clouds,  and  every  eye  shall 
see  him,  and  they  also  which  pierced  him:  and  all  kin- 
tl  reds  of  the  earth  shall  wail  because  of  him.'  " 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  307 

'This  is  mine,  papa,"  said  Edward:  "'And  his  feet 
shall  stand  in  that  day  upon  the  Mount  of  Olives,  which 
is  before  Jerusalem  in  the  east ;  and  the  Mount  of  Olives 
shall  cleave  in  the  midst  thereof  towards  the  east,  and 
toward  the  west,  and  there  shall  be  a  very  great  valley : 
and  half  of  the  mountain  shall  remove  toward  the  north, 
and  half  of  it  toward  the  south.'  " 

"  I  have  one,  papa,"  said  Lucy :  " '  And  then  shall 
appear  the  sign  of  the  Son  of  Man  in  heaven:  and  then 
shall  all  the  tribes  of  the  earth  mourn,  and  they  shall 
see  the  Son  of  Man  coming  in  the  clouds  cf  heaven  with 
power  and  great  glory.'" 

"  Listen  to  mine,  dear  children :  '  And  to  you  who 
are  troubled,  rest  with  us ;  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall 
be  revealed  from  heaven  with  his  mighty  angels,  when 
ho  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints,  and  to  be  ad- 
mired in  all  them  that  believe,  (because  our  testimony 
among  you  was  believed)  in  that  day.'  " 

"  This  is  a  solemn  subject,  my  children ;  for  we  are 
clearly  taught  that  the  Lord  Jesus  will  come  again  in 
great  pomp  and  glory  to  judge  the  world,  and  to  take 
His  people  home  with  Him  to  the  Church  of  the  New 
Jerusalem,  where  they  will  be  with  the  Lord  in  a  state 
of  unspeakable  blessedness,  during  the  outpouring  of 
the  last  judgments.  Once  assured  that  we  are  His,  we 
need  not  fear  that  day  of  wrath,  for  it  cannot  reach  the 
redeemed  in  their  glorious  home.  Now,  Margaret,  we 
will  sing  our  Advent  hymn." 


308  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Taking  her  seat  at  the  organ,  the  voices  joined  in  th« 
majestic  hymn : 

".Once  more,  0  Lord,  Thy  sign  shall  be 

Upon  the  heavens  displayed, 
And  earth  and  its  inhabitants 

Be  terribly  afraid  : 
For  not  in  weakness  clad,  Thou  eom'it, 

Our  woes,  our  sins  to  bear, 
But  girt  with  all  Thy  Father's  might, 

His  judgment  to  declare. 

"  Then  grant  us,  Saviour,  so  to  pass 

Our  time  in  trembling  here, 
That  when  upon  the  clouds  of  heaven 

Thy  glory  shall  appear, 
Uplifting  high  oar  joyful  heads, 

In  triumph  we  may  rise, 
And  enter,  with  Thine  angel  train, 

Thy  palace  in  the  skies." 

It  was  a  communion-day  at  St.  Barnabas',  and  Dr. 
Hastings  moved  among  his  people  with  unusual  so- 
lemnity, so  weak  that  he  was  obliged  to  sit  between  the 
serving  of  each  company  as  they  surrounded  the  chan- 
cel rails.  There  was  a  stranger  among  them  on  that 
occasion,  deeply  moved  by  the  solemn  service,  and  as 
she  passed  down  the  aisle  with  the  retiring  congregation, 
she  laid  her  hand  on  Mrs.  Sherwood's  arm,  and  said : 
"  This  is  your  dear  pastor's  last  communion  at  St.  Bar- 
nabas' ;  you  will  never  see  him  here  again." 


WE8TBROOK     PAKSONAGE.  309 

It  was  a  strange  address  from  one  unknown,  but  it 
made  a  deep  impression  upon  the  listener. 

It  has  been  some  time  since  he  has  been  at  St.  John's, 
over  the  hill,  and  in  a  day  or  two  he  proposed  visiting 
the  mission  once  more,  Dr.  Arnold  accompanying  them. 
Thursday  seemed  a  tolerably  mild  day. 

"  I  think  that  I  may  venture,  wrapped  up  well,"  said 
the  pastor.  "  I  should  like  to  have  you  with  us,  Emily ; 
but  your  cold  is  too  bad,  and  I  think  that  you  had  better 
stay  at  home." 

Accompanied  by  Dr.  Arnold,  Margaret,  and  Edward, 
they  started  for  the  mission,  Dr.  Hastings  brighter  and 
more  cheerful  than  usual.  The  people  were  rejoiced  to 
see  the  good  pastor  once  more ;  for  they  had  learned  to 
value  his  ministrations,  and  to  love  him  personally. 
Never  had  he  preached  Christ  to  them  with  more  power 
and  faithfulness  than  on  that  memorable  evening. 
Many  of  the  humble  people  gathered  around  him  after 
service  to  inquire  after  his  health,  and  to  listen  to  a 
few  words  of  Christian  counsel.  Edward  brought  up 
the  carriage,  fastening  all  the  curtains  tight,  for  it  is 
snowing. 

"  Wrap  your  muffler  close,  papa,"  said  Margaret ; 
"  you  are  a  little  heated,  and  I  am  so  afraid  that  you 
may  take  cold." 

Seated  in  the  back  of  the  carriage,  Margaret  kept  a 
constant  watch  for  fear  of  exposure  to  the  air,  for  it  was 
snowing  hard  now.  He  coughed  several  times  more 


310  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

hardly  than  usual,  and  the   affectionate  daughter  wa» 
troubled. 

"  Take  one  of  these  lozenges,  papa.  Do  you  feel 
badly?" 

But  there  was  no  answer,  as  he  coughed  again  in  a 
manner  that  sounded  unusual. 

"  Dear  papa,  tell  me,  are  you  worse  ?  "  said  Margaret, 
in  tones  of  distress. 

"Do  not  ask,"  he  whispered  ;  "I  must  not  speak." 

Then  came  another  clearing  of  the  throat.  Dr.  Arnold 
looked  round,  but  could  see  nothing  in  the  darkness, 
only  that  silent  figure  that  he  felt  was  there.  He  whis 
pered  to  Edward :  "  Drive  fast,  something  is  the  matter 
with  your  father." 

The  rest  of  the  ride  was  in  silence,  Margaret  holding 
her  father's  hand,  her  heart  beating  with  vague  appre- 
hensions. 

They  are  at  home  now ;  and  Margaret,  springing  from 
the  carriage,  met  Debby  in  the  hall.  In  agitated  tones, 
she  said  :  "  Rush  quick  for  Dr.  Lacey.  Something  is  the 
matter  with  papa." 

The  tones  of  alarm  had  brought  the  wife  out  into  the 
hall,  to  meet  her  husband  with  a  face  pale  as  marble, 
and  a  handkerchief  saturated  with  blood.  Suddenly  she 
clasped  her  hands  in  agony ;  but  he  whispered :  "  Be 
quiet,  my  love  ;  God  reigns." 

Quickly  carried  up  stairs,  he  was  soon  placed  in  bed, 
and  in  another  minute,  Dr.  Lacey  was  by  his  side.  He 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  311 

had  ruptured  a  large  blood-vessel,  and  all  night  he  lay 
pale  as  a  sheeted  corpse,  forbidden  to  speak  at  all.  The 
news  soon  spread  in  the  morning ;  and  for  fear  of  agita- 
tion, the  front-door  bell  was  muffled,  and  Mrs.  Lacey 
took  her  seat  in  the  parlor,  to  answer  the  grieved  and 
sorrowing  people. 

Father  Morgan  was  summoned,  and  tears  rained  over 
the  good  man's  face  as  he  looked  at  the  serene  and 
patient  sufferer  on  that  couch  of  languishing. 

"  We  must  part  with  him,  Debby,"  said  the  minister 
tu  the  faithful  servant.  "  Dr.  Lacey  says  that  he  may 
rally  again,  and  the  lungs  may  heal,  but  his  ministry  is 
ended,  and  his  days  are  few.  He  has  been  a  blessed  son 
to  me,  and  his  wife  and  children  are  mine  as  long  as 
I  live,  and  when  I  am  gone,  will  inherit  all  that  I 
have." 

A  lingering  illness  confined  him  to  his  room  all 
winter,  most  faithfully  nursed  by  his  devoted  wife  and 
daughter,  and  favored  by  unbroken  communion  with 
his  Lord  and  Saviour.  March  winds  brought  a  renewal 
of  all  the  alarming  symptoms  ;  and  it  was  certain  now 
that  the  beloved  rector  would  never  leave  his  room 
again.  His  people  are  untiring  in  their  devotion,  vying 
with  each  other  in  their  ministrations  to  his  comfort, 
especially  Mrs.  Sherwood,  who,  from  the  first,  offered 
everything  that  was  in  her  house  for  the  venerated 
sufferer,  and  every  day  with  her  own  hands  prepared 
some  little  delicacy.  Father  Morgan,  too,  was  the  same 


812  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

devoted,  untiring  friend,  coming  every  week  to  see  the 
adopted  son  of  his  affections. 

"  Very  gracious  are  the  dealings  of  my  Father,"  said 
the  invalid.  "  Surrounded  by  the  ministrations  of  be- 
loved friends,  fading  so  gradually,  and  sustained  by 
unfaltering  trust  in  the  merits  of  my  Redeemer,  I  wait 
peacefully  till  my  change  comes.  My  precious  family 
1  trust  to  the  care  of  our  common  Father,  believing  that 
I  shall  meet  them  all  in  the  many  mansions." 

"  They  are  mine,  Edward,  just  as  much  as  though  the 
ties  of  blood  united  us." 

"  I  have  had  a  blessed  life,  father  —  such  a  long  and 
happy  ministry  among  a  devoted,  united  flock,  many  of 
whom  I  hope  to  present  before  our  Saviour's  throne  as 
my  own  spiritual  children.  I  leave  dear  St.  Barnabas' 
in  a  prosperous  state,  and  trust  that  none  but  a  truly 
evangelical  minister  will  ever  occupy  that  pulpit." 

Dr.  Arnold  is  frequently  by  that  bedside,  and  very 
sweet  and  holy  is  the  communion  between  the  two.  At 
the  close  of  one  of  these  interviews,  the  pastor  said : 

"  Call  Margaret.     I  have  something  to  say  to  her." 

In  a  minute  or  two,  Dr.  Arnold  re-entered,  leading  her 
by  the  hand.  The  father  smiled. 

"That  is  right — just  what  I  desire.  To  none  would 
I  so  cheerfully  confide  that  hand  as  to  you,  my  valued, 
long-tried  friend.  She  is  yours,  Dr.  Arnold,  I  hope 
in  bonds  as  happy  as  mine  have  been.  Kneel,  my  chil« 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  313 

dren,  and  receive  a  father's  blessing."  Laying  his  hands 
upon  their  heads,  he  continued,  in  solemn  tones  : 

"  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  God  the  Holy  Ghost 
bless,  preserve,  and  keep  you  ;  the  Lord  mercifully,  with 
His  favor,  look  upon  you,  and  fill  you  with  all  spiritual 
benediction  and  grace,  that  ye  may  so  live  together  in 
this  life  that  in  the  world  to  come  ye  may  have  life 
everlasting.  Amen." 

Margaret  arose,  and  stooping  over  her  father,  kissed 
the  placid  brow,  as  he  whispered : 

"My  blessed  Margaret — my  pearl.  We  shall  meet 
there,  where  there  is  no  more  parting.  Now,  while  I 
am  able,  I  must  see  Warren.  Send  for  him  to  come 
down  on  Saturday." 

It  was  a  solemn  interview  between  father  and  son — a 
reviewing  of  the  past  years  of  his  young  life  —  a  looking 
forward  to  the  life  that  is  yet  to  come. 

"I  wish  that  you  could  realize  as  I  do,  Warren,  the 
fleeting  nature  of  all  earthly  things ;  for  what  is  our 
life?  It  is  even  a  vapor  that  soon  passeth  away;  and 
then  comes  that  unending  life  —  our  real  life,  Warren  I 
Could  I  only  know  that  you  were  preparing  for  that 
endless  state,  how  blessed,  how  happy  should  I  be  I 
Edward  and  Lucy,  I  trust,  are  taking  trembling  steps  in 
the  narrow  way,  and  you  must  not  be  left  out,  my  eldest 
son." 

\Varren  was  deeply  affected,  for  the  father's  holy  life 

gave  power  to  his  words. 

27 


314  WESTBBOOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  I  am  not  so  thoughtless  as  you  suppose,  papa,"  was 
the  reply.  "  My  former  habits  of  mind  are  giving 
place  to  a  better  state ;  but  there  are  difficulties  in  my 
way  which  hold  me  back." 

"Let  nothing  hold  you  back  from  Jesus,  Warren. 
He  is  the  only  refuge  of  the  soul.  I  know  what  he  is  in 
hours  of  weakness  and  trial.  Make  him  yours,  my  dear 
son,  by  a  living  faith.  Kneel,  Warren,  while  we  pray 
together." 

In  solemn  words,  full  of  tender  feeling,  the  father 
poured  out  his  soul  in  humble  prayer;  and  Warren 
arose,  deeply  moved,  and  passed  out  into  the  orchard, 
where,  for  an  hour,  with  folded  arms  and  head  bowed 
down,  he  paced  up  and  down  in  sight  of  St.  Barnabas'. 

Allan,  too,  is  at  the  parsonage,  and  Dr.  Hastings  is 
making  a  request  of  Father  Morgan. 

"  Just  one  more  hour  of  sweet  communion,  while  I 
have  strength,"  said  the  good  man.  "It  has  been  so 
long  since  I  have  enjoyed  the  blessed  privilege." 

Assembled  in  that  dying  chamber,  the  emblems  of  a 
Saviour's  love  were  spread  out  upon  a  small  table,  cov- 
ered with  a  pure  linen  cloth.  The  wife,  the  children. 
Dr.  Arnold,  the  Sherwoods,  Mrs.  Lacey,  and  three  mem- 
bers of  the  choir,  were  there ;  while  Father  Morgan  was 
to  administer  the  sacrament.  It  was  the  sunset  hour  ; 
and  Dr.  Hastings  said : 

"  Turn  aside  the  curtain,  Emily.     Let  the  last  com 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  31 6 

inuniou  be  in  sight  of  dear  St.  Barnabas'.   Those  depart- 
ing rays  are  so  beautiful  upon  the  old  tower." 

It  was  a  sweet  and  holy  communion ;  and  the  solemn 
uymn,  selected  by  himself,  was  sung  in  sweet,  low  tones 
by  members  of  the  choir  : 

"  0  sacred  head,  now  wounded, 

With  grief  and  shame  weighed  down : 
0  sacred  brow,  surrounded 

With  thorns,  thy  only  crown! 
0  sacred  head,  what  glory, 

What  bliss,  till  now,  was  thine! 
Yet,  though  despised  and  gory, 
I  joy  to  call  thee  mine. 

"Be  near  when  I  am  dying} 

Oh,  show  Thy  cross  to  me 
And  to  my  succor  flying, 

Come,  Lord,  and  set  me  free. 
These  eyes,  new  faith  receiving, 

From  Thine  eyes  shall  not  more; 
For  he  who  dies  believing 

Dies  safely  through  Thy  love." 

Warren  stood  apart,  with  head  bowed  clown,  deeply 
impressed  by  the  solemn  scene.  It  was  a  melting  season 
—  a  time  when  the  Lord  Jesus  stood  in  their  midst, 
ready  to  bless  the  silent  company.  Very  quietly,  one 
by  one  passed  around  that  bed,  and,  pressing  the  hand 
of  each  beloved  parishioner,  the  dying  pastor  gave  each 
nia  parting  blessing.  Solemnly,  Dr.  Arnold,  the  Sher- 


316  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

woods,  Mrs.  Lacey,  and  the  choir  passed  down  the  stair- 
case and  out  of  the  parsonage  door,  not  uttering  one 
word ;  for  they  felt  that  they  had  seen  the  last  of  their 
beloved  pastor. 

"  Just  one  more  duty,  Father  Morgan,  and  then  I  have 
done  with  earth.  I  must  see  George  Vincent  before  I 
die." 

The  young  man  was  summoned,  and  Father  Morgan 
met  him  in  the  parlor : 

"You  have  come  to  see  him  die,  George.  It  is  a 
blessed  death-bed,  with  nothing  to  dim  its  brightness.'' 

Dr.  Hastings  received  him  with  a  smile.  "  Come  here, 
my  young  friend :  sit  close  by  me." 

Taking  his  hand  between  his  own,  he  continued :  "  I 
thought  of  you,  George,  the  other  day,  when  we  enjoyed 
such  a  blessed  season  of  communion  with  our  Lord  and 
Saviour." 

"  Do  you  refer  to  the  Holy  Communion,  Dr.  Hast- 
ings?" 

"  I  do,  my  son.  I  wish  that  you  had  been  here.  It 
was  such  a  real  communion  with  our  Lord  and  Master ; 
for  here  He  was  in  spirit  in  our  midst.  Are  you  satis- 
fied in  your  new  relations,  my  son  ?  " 

The  young  man  turned  his  face  away  as  he  replied  : 
"  I  know  that  I  am  walking  in  the  paths  of  the  Holy 
Catholic  Church,  Dr.  Hastings,  and  ought  to  be  satisfied 
with  that  knowledge." 

"  You  are  on  dangerous  ground,  George,  where  many 


WESTBROOK    PARSONAGE.  31? 

have  stranded  upon  the  shoals  of  Romanism.     Beware  ! 
lest  you  follow  in  the  wake." 

"  I  have  no  sympathy  with  Rome,  Dr.  Hastings  ;  but 
I  do  desire  to  see  the  revival  of  old  Catholic  ceremo- 
nies." 

"  Beware  lest  you  depart  from  the  simplicity  that  is 
in  Christ.  Study  the  Epistles,  George,  aad  not  the 
fathers ;  for  in  the  former  only  is  infallible  truth." 

The  young  man  listened  seriously  to  the  solemn  words 
of  the  dying  pastor,  remembering  the  early  days  of  his 
Christian  life  with  secret  feelings  of  unacknowledged 
sorrow. 

The  last  duty  has  been  performed ;  and,  day  by  day, 
the  angelic  messengers  hovered  around  that  privileged 
chamber.  It  is  known  throughout  Westbrook  that  the 
pastor  of  St.  Barnabas'  is  dying.  Prayers  are  offered  in 
all  the  churches  ;  for  he  is  much  beloved  by  Christians 
of  all  names.  Surrounded  by  his  sorrowing  family, 
peacefully  he  passed  to  his  everlasting  rest ;  his  last 
words :  "  A  sinner  saved  by  grace.  Give  Jesus  all  the 
glory." 

The  tolling  of  the  muffled  bells,  which  had  been  silent 
BO  long,  announced  the  departure  to  a  better  world  of 
the  dear  rector  of  St.  Barnabas'.  One  by  one,  a  weeping 
company  passed  out  of  the  parsonage  garden ;  for  many 
had  gathered  day  by  day  in  the  parlor,  to  inquire  about 
the  dying  pastor. 

There  is  grief  not  only  at  St.  Barnabas'  but  through 

'27* 


318  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

out  Westbrook ;  for  the  community  have  lost  a  bright 
example  and  a  valued  friend.     Arrayed  for  the  grave 
in  his  surplice,  his  remains  were  laid  in  the  parlor  of 
the   parsonage,  where,  on   the   day  appointed  for  the 
funeral,  they  were  visited  by  hundreds.     Strong  mer 
wept  as  they  gazed  upon  the  serene  and  holy  counte- 
nance ;  for  one  remembered  how  he  had  labored  for  him 
in  hours  of  first  conviction,  another  how  he  had  stood 
by  the  death-bed  of  his  loved  ones,  and  committed  them 
to  the  silent  grave.     Tender  women  were  there,  kissing 
reverently  the  pale,  transparent  hand  that  had  so  often 
extended  to  them  the  emblems  of  a  Saviour's  dying  love ; 
many  joined  by  that  departed  pastor  in  the  sacred  bonds 
of  matrimony,  shedding  floods  of  tears  over  the  dear 
hands  that  had  sprinkled  baptismal  water  on  the  brows 
of  their  sweet  infants,  and  in  all  their  joys  and  sorrows 
bearing  a  part.     For  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century 
he  had  broken  the  bread  of  life  among  the  same  people ; 
and  a  tie  so  sacred  is  not  broken  without  deep  and 
tender  sorrow. 

It  is  the  day  of  the  funeral.  The  bells  throughout 
Westbrook  were  muffled ;  and  very  solemn  were  th ; 
peals  answered  from  churches  of  all  denominations  dur- 
ing the  funeral  ceremonies.  The  pall-bearers  are  selected 
from  among  the  most  valued  of  his  clerical  friends 
Members  of  the  vestry  are  the  bearers,  and  clergymen 
of  all  denominations  head  the  solemn  procession  on  its 
way  to  the  church.  The  Sunday-school  teachers,  all 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  319 

wearing  a  badge  of  mourning,  follow  the  family.  It  waa 
indeed  a  solemn  scene  —  the  church  heavily  draped  in 
mourning,  the  low  wailing  of  funereal  music,  the  weep- 
ing crowds,  who  gathered  to  do  honor  to  his  memory. 

Three  Bishops  —  Miles,  Melville,  and  Lysle  —  occu- 
pied the  chancel,  and  took  part  in  the  impressive  service 
of  the  Church.  Mr.  Thayer  attempted  a  few  remarks, 
but  was  obliged,  from  excess  of  feeling^  to  bring  them  to 
a  close.  From  the  side  windows  of  the  parsonage  the 
females  of  the  family  heard  the  funeral  hymn,  one  ft  3- 
quently  used  by  the  departed  at  funerals : 

"  Vital  spark  of  heavenly  flame ! " 

and,  with  hearts  bowed  down  by  sorrow,  saw  the  pro- 
cession winding  its  solemn  way  to  the  grave-yard  of  the 
old  church,  where,  amid  the  tears  of  hundreds,  the  dear 
remains  were  committed  to  the  silent  grave. 

Now  the  widow  felt  that  she  was  alone ;  for,  while  the 
remains  were  in  the  house,  she  could  sit  by  them  for 
hours  at  a  time,  reviewing  all  the  past.  But  now  she 
feels  that  she  shall  see  that  dear  pale  face  no  more ! 

The  solemn  tolling  of  those  muffled  bells  is  in  har- 
monj  with  her  emotions ;  and  long  after  they  have 
ceased  to  vibrate  on  other  ears  will  they  continue  to 
sound  in  the  sorrowing  widow's  heart ! 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

THE   PASCHAL   MOON. 

"  Thy  Maker  is  thy  husband." 

A  FTER  a  short  period,  the  sad  work  of  gathering 
•*"*•  together  all  the  sermons  and  letters  of  the  de- 
parted occupied  the  widow  for  several  days.  Locking 
them  up,  she  felt  as  if  the  last  duty  to  the  sainted  dead 
had  been  performed. 

Father  Morgan  has  taken  charge  of  the  family,  and 
advises  Mrs.  Hastings  to  remain  at  the  parsonage  until 
another  rector  comes.  The  vestry  have  generously  voted 
her  husband's  salary  for  a  year ;  and  the  assistant  min- 
ister is  in  charge  of  St.  Barnabas'. 

Warren  is  in  New  York  again,  Allan  at  the  seminary, 
Margaret  a  great  comfort  to  her  mother,  and  Mrs.  Sher- 
wood a  most  devoted  friend.  But  the  sorrows  of  widow- 
hood are  hers  —  sorrows  with  which  a  stranger  inter- 
meddleth  not.  She  takes  his  place  in  the  worship  of 
the  family,  and  misses  the  sweet  words  of  holy  counsel. 
She  goes  out  into  the  kitchen  to  give  her  daily  orders  to 
Debby ;  but  there  is  nothing  for  him  who  engrossed  so 

much  of  their  thoughts.    She  passes  by  the  study-door 

320 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  321 

and  often  finds  herself  listening  for  the  slight,  hacking 
cough.  She  glances  at  the  hat-stand  in  the  hall,  but 
neither  hat,  nor  cane,  nor  umbrella  are  there ;  they  are 
laid  away  among  the  treasures.  She  is  in  her  little 
sitting-room  after  the  labors  of  the  day  are  over ;  but 
there  is  no  quiet  step  now  across  the  threshold  —  no 
tender  husband  takes  his  seat  by  her  side  when  she  is  all 
alone,  and  laying  his  hand  upon  the  forehead,  or  kissing 
the  quivering  lips,  whispers,  "  You  are  tired,  my  love ;  I 
wish  that  I  could  lighten  your  many  cares."  These 
memories  are  often  followed  by  a  gush  of  tears,  which 
will  not  stay. 

The  church  is  no  less  desolate.  A  stranger's  voice 
falls  heavily  upon  her  heart,  and  a  stranger's  form  fill^ 
her  husband's  pulpit.  These  are  a  widow's  sorrows ;  bul 
she  has  her  comforts,  too  -•-  a  band  of  devoted  friends, 
who  cling  to  the  rector's  family,  cherishing  them  for  his 
sake ;  but,  above  all,  the  precious  promises  all  fulfilled. 

At  the  end  of  six  months,  a  new  rector  is  called  —  a 
worthy  successor  to  the  lamented  Dr.  Hastings.  He  is 
to  be  married  at  the  end  of  a  year ;  and,  by  Father 
Morgan's  advice,  is  to  board  with  the  former  rector's 
widow  until  his  marriage. 

It  is  a  sore  trial  to  the  sorrowing  widow  to  receive 
another  into  her  family  as  the  rector  of  St.  Barnabas' — 
to  see  another  in  her  husband's  study ;  but  Robert 
Murray  is  a  man  of  lovely  Christian  character,  and 
knows  exactly  how  to  respect  the  feelings  of  the  min- 


322  WESTBKOOK     PARSONAGE. 

ister's  widow.  Delicate,  modest,  sympathizing,  she  soon 
learns  to  regard  the  young  clergyman  with  a  mother's 
tenderness ;  for  there  is  an  appearance  of  frailty  about 
the  new  minister,  which  at  once  enlists  her  kindest 
offices. 

He  is  in  perfect  sympathy  with  all  the  former  rector's 
plans  —  thoroughly  evangelical,  spiritual,  devoted.  With 
peculiar  wisdom,  he  carries  out  all  the  plans  so  success- 
fully arranged  by  Dr.  Hastings,  so  that  no  rude  changes 
are  made ;  and  the  people  extend  to  him  their  fullest 
confidence  and  co-operation. 

But  Father  Morgan  is  preparing  for  the  change  in  the 
widow's  lot,  and  has  taken  a  new  home  in  a  pleasant  part 
of  Westbrook,  where  he  proposes  that  Mrs.  Hastings 
shall  take  into  her  family  six  young  ladies  to  educate. 
The  good  man  will  come  too,  with  his  faithful  house- 
keeper ;  for  he  is  really  in  charge  of  the  family  now, 
although  the  thought  of  entire  dependence  is  lessened 
by  the  charge  that  he  so  wisely  suggests. 

But  the  months  roll  on,  and  the  day  of  departure 
comes  at  length.  All  the  arrangements  are  made.  On 
the  following  Monday,  the  family  bid  adieu  to  the  deai 
parsonage,  and  the  minister  and  his  young  bride  arrive 
on  the  following  Monday  week. 

It  is  Easter  even.  The  widow  sits  alone  in  the  sum 
mer-house,  where,  twenty-six  years  ago,  she  sat  as  a 
ymmg  and  happy  bride,  in  company  with  her  beloved 
husband.  The  same  placid  moon  is  sailing  in  the  hea- 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  323 

rens,  smiling  as  calmly  on  the  widow,  as  it  did  upon  the 
Pair  young  bride. 

More  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  has  passed  away, 
leaving  deep  in  the  sorrowing  heart  the  memory  of  those 
blessed,  happy  years.  She  distinctly  recalls  the  holy 
conversation  of  that  sweet  hour ;  how  they  talked  about 
the  paschal  moon,  and  wondered  if  it  shone  that  night 
upon  the  new  tomb  in  the  garden  of  Joseph  of  Ari- 
ruathea.  The  hope  of  resurrection  was  blessed  then.  It 
is  more  than  blessed  now ;  for  the  pale  moon  shines 
upon  the  grave  of  her  beloved  to-night,  and  seems  to 
say,  "  Thy  husband  shall  rise  again." 

The  church-door  is  open.  She  enters  all  alone,  and 
sits  down  in  the  pew  before  the  chancel  —  by  the  light 
of  the  moon,  almost  able  to  read  the  inscription  on  the 
marble  slab  back  of  the  pulpit :  certainly  she  reads  the 
one  cherished,  honored  name. 

Margaret  has  missed  her  mother.  Suspecting  where 
she  is,  she  enters  the  church.  Jacob  has  seen  the  two, 
and  follows : 

"  This  is  our  last  Easter  evening  at  the  dear  parsonage, 
Jacob.  Can't  you  blow  the  bellows  for  me  ?  I  want  so 
•mich  to  play  some  of  dear  papa's  hymns  before  we  go 
out  of  our  old  home." 

Jacob  has  done  this  work  before,  and  is  ready  to  oblige 
his  young  lady.  She  is  seated  now  at  the  organ,  has  lit 
the  gas,  and,  one  by  one,  plays  and  sings  the  sweet 
hymns  that  her  .father  loved  so  much.  A  light  footstep 


324  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

is  n*»ar  her.  She  knows  that  it  is  her  mother,  who  in 
silence  sits  there,  listening  to  the  sweet,  solemn  strains. 
The  music  has  called  out  the  family — even  Alice,  who 
has  been  drawn  into  the  church  too.  The  solemn  moon 
is  shining  down  upon  the  pale  and  languid  invalid  ;  for 
Alice  has  been  steadily  fading  ever  since  her  beloved 
father's  departure. 

"  Sing  '  I  would  not  live  alway,' "  said  Father  Mor- 
gan ;  and  Jacob  stood  by,  shedding  silent  tears,  as  the 
holy  strains  filled  the  church. 

"  I  would  not  live  alway :  I  ask  not  to  stay 
Where  storm  after  storm  rises  dark  o'er  the  way  j 
The  few  lurid  mornings  that  dawn  on  us  here, 
Are  enough  for  life's  woes,  full  enough  for  its  cheer." 

It  was  a  precious  hour  in  the  blessed  sanctuary,  foi 
all  in  that  company  were  partakers  of  the  hopes  of  a 
glorious  resurrection ;  for  Edward  and  Lucy  were  to 
receive  their  first  communion  on  the  following  Easter 
Sunday,  having  both  been  among  the  candidates  on  the 
rector's  first  confirmation. 

"  I  wonder  if  the  spirits  of  the  just  do  visit  this  lower 
earth,  Father  Morgan  ?  "  said  the  widow. 

"  We  know  not,  Emily.  The  veil  is  very  thin  that 
separates  us  from  the  world  of  spirits ;  and  it  did  seem 
to-night  as  if  he  might  be  here  joining  in  our  wor- 
ship." 

"  We  know  that  he  is  blessed,  father ;  and  though  he 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  325 

may  not  return  to  us,  we  shall  go  to  him,  and  be  forevei 
with  the  Lord." 

It  is  Easter  morning,  and  the  sweet  chimes  are  ringing 
out  the  resurrection  joy  —  a  "joy  unspeakable  and  full 
of  glory"  to  weary  pilgrims,  foot-sore  on  their  journey 
to  the  heavenly  city  —  every  member  01  ''he  family  at 
the  parsonage  surrounding  the  table  of  the  Lord,  save 
Warren ;  for  Allan,  at  the  seminary,  is  partaking  of  the 
Easter  joy. 

But  Monday  morning  is  here;  and  the  removal  is 
taking  place.  Some  of  the  furniture  belongs  to  the 
parsonage ;  but  Father  Morgan  has  supplied  every  de- 
ficiency at  the  new  home,  bringing  all  his  own  household 
goods.  The  last  load  has  gone;  and  the  widow  takes 
one  more  farewell  glance  at  the  pastor's  study,  plucks 
a  branch  of  apple-blossoms  from  the  low,  green  trees,  a 
few  flowers  from  the  garden  paths,  and  goes  out  of  her 
once  blessed  home  to  assume  new  relations  and  respon- 
sibilities. 

Father  Morgan  has  been  very  careful  to  select  a  home 
well  shaded,  for  he  knows  how  Alice  would  miss  the 
green  trees ;  and  so  they  find  themselves  in  the  midst  of 
a  grove  of  lindens.  She  has  a  small  room  down  stairs, 
where  all  her  familiar  objects  are  carefully  placed  —  a 
neat  green  carpet  and  new  curtains  having  been  fur- 
nished by  Mrs.  Sherwood.  We  find  the  dear  girl  BO 
comfortably  fixed  in  her  new  room,  entertaining  Agnes 
28 


326  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

and  her  mother.     Taking  the  lady's  hand,  Alice  kissed 
it,  and  said : 

"  How  can  I  ever  thank  you,  dear  friend,  for  all  your 
goodness  to  me  ?  Truly,  goodness  and  mercy  have  fol- 
lowed me  all  the  days  of  my  life.  Everybody  is  kind 
to  Alice.  There  is  nothing  that  I  lack  on  earth,  and  so 
much  in  heaven !  I  ought  to  be  a  most  grateful,  happy 
Christian.  I  don't  even  miss  the  flowers  from  the  par- 
sonage ;  for  every  day,  since  the  young  bride  came,  they 
are  sent  to  fill  my  little  vase." 

The  family  are  settled.  The  six  young  ladies  have 
arrived,  and  Mrs.  Hastings  finds  her  hands  full  of  cares 
and  responsibilities.  Margaret  is  a  great  help  to  her 
mother ;  for  she  has  a  fine  education,  and  a  heart  full  of 
filial  love. 

The  young  pastor  is  highly  gifted,  admired,  and  fol- 
lowed by  the  crowd :  but  true  friends  are  faithful  to  the 
departed  rector's  family,  and  Mrs.  Hastings  finds  herself 
surrounded  still  by  a  choice  circle  of  congenial,  loving 
spirits.  The  good  old  minister  is  a  father  indeed ;  and 
Mrs.  Hastings  has  long  since  proved  the  blessedness  of 
the  promise  to  the  widow :  "  Thy  Maker  is  thy  husband." 

Warren  comes  frequently  on  Saturday  night  to  stay 
until  Monday.  Many  are  the  sweet  hours  of  affectionate 
intercourse  between  himself  and  Alice;  and  he  never 
goes  away  now  without  leaving  some  blessed  hopes  in 
the  heart  of  the  dear  invalid. 

"  Warren  is  so  different,"  said  the  dear  girl,  after  one 


WEST  BROOK     PARSONAGE.  327 

of  these  visits.  "  There  are  no  more  cavils  now.  I  am 
sure,  mamma,  that  he  is  an  earnest  inquirer  after  the 
truth — not  in  his  own  strength  or  wisdom  now,  but  de- 
pending only  on  the  Holy  Spirit.  All  I  want  to  make 
me  perfectly  happy  is  just  to  see  dear  Warren  a  Chris- 
tian. He  is  so  whole-hearted  that  I  know  he  will  make 
a  bright  and  useful  follower  of  our  Lord." 

The  young  minister's  wife  is  a  frequent  visitor  at 
Linden  Grove,  finding  the  friendly  counsel  of  the  widow 
invaluable  to  her  inexperience,  and  she,  in  her  turn,  be- 
stowing her  confidence  and  love  upon  the  inmates  of 
the  Grove.  It  is  vacation  now  at  the  seminary,  and 
Allan  is  about  to  pay  his  first  visit  at  the  new  home. 
More  than  one  looks  forward  to  his  return  with  joy;  for 
it  is  certain  now  that  Agnes  Sherwood  is  to  be  the  life- 
companion  of  the  young  man.  The  mother  is  pleased 
that  it  should  be  so,  for  she  is  a  whole-hearted  disciple, 
and  knows  no  higher  joy  than  to  give  her  all  to  the 
service  of  her  Lord  and  Master. 

Alice  has  her  couch  drawn  up  to  the  window,  that  she 
might  see  the  first  glimpse  of  her  precious  brother. 

"  There  he  is ! "  said  the  invalid.  "  Dear,  dear  Allan ! " 
and  in  the  next  minute  she  was  folded  in  her  brother's 
arms ;  for  he  had  seen  her  from  the  window,  and  hastened 
to  Alice  first. 

"  How  well  you  look,  Allan ! "  said  his  sister. 

The  brother  sighed  ;  for  he  could  not  respond  to  the 
remark  in  the  case  of  the  pale  shadow  on  the  couch. 


328  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  I  am  not  so  well,  Allan,"  said  the  sister,  for  she  had 
interpreted  the  shade  upon  his  face ;  "  but,  although  the 
outer  man  is  decaying,  Allan,  the  immortal  —  that 
which  is  really  Alice,  is  ripening  day  by  day,  and, 
through  abounding  grace,  I  hope,  growing  up  into  the 
perfsct  image  of  the  Lord." 

Allan  saw  that  it  was  so.  The  knowledge  that  gave 
joy  to  the  invalid  awoke  a  pang  in  the  brother's  heart , 
for  very  dear  was  this  precious  one  to  the  household.  It 
is  indeed  a  happy  reunion ;  for,  after  one  more  term, 
Allan  is  to  be  ordained. 

We  will  follow  him  to  Englesby  Terrace,  where  Agues 
is  waiting  eagerly  for  his  arrival ;  and  yet,  with  the  sweet 
shyness  of  girlhood,  at  the  first  glimpse  of  his  approach, 
flies  to  her  own  room,  instead  of  to  the  hall-door. 

In  a  few  minutes,  we  find  her  timidly  entering  the  par- 
lor, where  we  will  leave  the  two  to  enjoy  their  first  hour 
of  reunion  alone,  where  emotions,  more  than  words,  ex- 
press their  happiness. 

"  I  came  through  New  York, "  said  Allan,  addressing 
Father  Morgan,  "where  I  heard  that  George  Vincent  is 
very  ill.  I  had  not  time  to  stop,  or  I  would  have  gone 
to  see  him.  He  has  been  sick  a  long  time." 

"  Poor  fellow  ! "  said  the  good  man.  "  I  am  afraid 
that  he  is  very  uncomfortable ;  for  he  occupies  a  room, 
going  out  for  his  meals.  I  must  go  without  delay." 

Accordingly,  by  the  next  train,  the  old  clergyman  is 
on  his  errand  of  mercy.  On  entering  the  sick  man'a 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  329 

room,  it  was  just  as  he  had  feared.  Once  a  day  the 
woman  in  charge  of  the  apartments  entered  his  room, 
placing  his  medicines  near  him,  and  then  not  coming 
again  through  the  whole  day.  He  had  hired  a  little 
boy  to  bring  him  food  from  a  restaurant  near,  but  fre- 
quently of  such  a  character  as  he  could  not  eat ;  and  he 
consequently  suffered  in  every  way. 

When  the  door  opened  to  admit  Father  Morgan,  a 
flash  of  joy  lit  up  the  pallid  face.  Extending  his  hand 
in  sileur.e,  he  burst  into  tears ;  and,  after  a  minute  or 
two,  said,  kissing  the  wrinkled  hand : 

"  You  are  very  good,  Father  Morgan.  How  did  you 
hear  that  I  was  sick?" 

"  Allan  was  passing  through  New  York,  and  heard  it. 
I  came  immediately,  George,  for  I  feared  that  you  were 
suffering.  Who  is  your  nurse,  my  son  ?  " 

"I  have  none.  Indeed,  my  physician,  the  woman 
that  takes  care  of  my  room,  and  the  little  boy  that  does 
my  errands,  are  all  that  I  see,  excepting  Father  Niles, 
who  comes  once  or  twice  a  week." 

Father  Morgan  saw  that  the  case  was  one  in  need  of 
careful  nursing ;  for  the  young  man  was  laboring  under 
a  slow,  wasting  fever.  Practical  at  all  times,  he  imme- 
diately engaged  a  good  nurse,  went  out  himself  aud 
brought  in  the  comforts  that  he  needed,  and,  as  the 
nurse  could  not  come  for  two  days,  took  charge  of  the 
invalid  until  she  should  arrive.  Very  tenderly  he 
washed  and  changed  the  sick  man,  made  up  his  bed 
28  » 


S30  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

comfortably,  put  everything  in  perfect  order,  and  then, 
taking  his  seat  by  his  side,  gave  him  slowly  some  very 
nice  ice-cream.  Very  frequently  the  tears  welled  over 
the  young  man's  eyes  ;  it  had  been  so  long  since  he  had 
experienced  such  tender  nursing. 

"This  is  so  grateful,  Father.  I  do  believe  that  if 
I  had  such  nursing,  I  should  be  on  my  feet  again  in  ;i 
few  weeks." 

"Has  your  new  faith  been  a  rock  to  rely  upon, 
George,  in  your  hour  of  sickness  and  trial  ?  " 

The  pale  lips  quivered,  as  he  replied :  "  I  have  been 
learning  the  lessons  of  my  childhood  over  again,  dear 
friend ;  and  all  the  time  the  sweet  words  of  the  quaint 
old  hymn  are  with  me : 

"  None  but  Jesus  —  none  but  Jesus 
Can  do  helpless  sinners  good." 

"  God  be  praised,  my  son,  for  these  hours  of  perfect 
retirement,  that  have  brought  back  the  old  truths  of  the 
simple  Gospel ! " 

"  Yes,  father,  the  old,  old  story  of  Judaea,  the  babe  of 
Bethlehem,  the  child  of  Nazareth,  the  preacher  on  the 
Mount,  the  worker  of  miracles,  the  sympathizing  bro- 
ther, the  great  High-Priest,  the  Man  of  Calvary,  the 
first-fruits  of  the  resurrection,  the  God-man  of  Olivet, 
have  all  returned  again  —  all  embodied  in  Him  whom 
we  call  Saviour." 

"  I  have  been  looking  for  this,  George.     I  knew  that 


\VESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  331 

tinsel  and  showy  ritualism  would  not  long  satisfy  a  soul 
that  had  ever  had  the  experience  of  a  heaven-born 
faith." 

"  That  is  all  true,  Father  Morgan ;  but  I  have  found 
that  the  symbols  of  the  new  theology  teach  lessons  which 
I  cannot  believe.  I  did  not  think  so  at  first,  and  re- 
garded the  opposers  as  uncharitable  and  Puritanical.  I 
admired  the  music  and  the  show ;  but,  day  by  day,  in 
the  quiet  and  self-communion  of  this  solitude,  these  gew- 
gaws have  lost  their  charms,  and,  in  the  language  of  our 
own  sweet  hymn,  I  can  say : 

"  As  by  the  light  of  opening  day, 

The  stars  are  all  concealed, 
So  earthly  pleasures  fade  away 
When  Jesus  is  revealed." 

"  Let  us  praise  God,  George,"  said  Father  Morgan , 
arid,  with  an  overflowing  heart  of  gratitude,  he  bowed 
before  the  mercy-seat,  to  return  thanks  for  this  deliver- 
ance, and  to  pray  for  the  guidance  of  that  blessed  Spirit 
who  only  can  sanctify  and  save. 

"  You  cannot  stay  here,  George,"  said  the  good  man. 
"  As  soon  as  you  are  sufficiently  recovered,  I  will  come 
for  you.  We  can  make  room  for  you  at  Westbrook,  and 
there  you  must  stay  until  completely  restored." 

The  nurse  is  fairly  installed,  with  minute  directions 
and  abundant,  means  supplied,  that  the  invalid  may  lack 
no  comforts ;  and  then  the  good  man  is  ready  to  return 


332  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"God  bless  you,  Father  Morgan,"  said  the  young 
man.  "  You  were  sent  by  Heaven  I  am  sure,  for  you 
have  brought  life  and  light  and  happiness.  I  feel  as  i  f 
I  had  taken  real  steps  now  on  the  path  to  recovery." 

"Farewell, my  son  !  May  God  bless  and  keep  you  in 
all  your  ways,  and  spare  your  life  to  labor  in  his  blessed 
service  yet." 

A  few  weeks  of  careful  nursing  did  wonders,  and  Mrs. 
Hastings  is  i  eady  to  receive  another  into  her  family  for 
the  sake  of  Father  Morgan;  for  he  has  his  old  propen- 
sity yet  of  gathering  around  him  the  children  of  a  com- 
mon faith,  when  the  hand  of  suffering  is  laid  upon  them. 

"Now  you  see,  Emily,  why  I  told  you  that  I  must 
have  two  rooms,"  said  the  good  man ;  "  for  I  have  so 
long  had  a  corner  for  the  needy  in  my  own  home,  that 
I  could  not  be  happy  if  unable  to  do  so  still.  They  shall 
never  be  any  expense  to  you,  and  Hannah  will  take  all 
the  labor.  I  always  loved  George  Vincent,  and  he  has 
neither  mother  nor  sister  to  care  for  him.  I  know  a 
little  about  nursing,  and  he  will  be  company  for  me 
when  you  are  busy." 

"I  am  only  too  happy,  dear  father,  to  aid  you  in  your 
holy  work :  none  that  you  bring  can  ever  be  an  intruder 
here." 

The  good  man  was  fully  occupied  with  his  charge; 
foi  his  health  had  been  seriously  affected,  and  it  would 
be  months  ere  he  would  be  fully  restored. 

Allan  has  returned  to  the  seminary,  where  he  is  to 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  333 

remain  but  one  term  more,  and  then  he  is  to  be  ordained 
at  St.  Barnabas'. 

Mrs.  Sherwood  is  a  happy,  useful  Christian :  shvt  has 
no  time  now  for  trifling  over  priests'  millinery,  for  she  is 
on  a  higher  mount,  and  cannot  come  down.  We  find 
her  very  busily  engaged  now  in  founding  a  home  for 
twenty-five  orphan  girls,  who  are  to  be  clothed,  and  fed, 
and  educated  at  her  expense  solely,  and  fitted  for  just 
such  positions  in  life  as  their  various  talents  indicate. 
And  so  the  days  roll  on  until  the  time  for  Allan's  ordi- 
nation has  arrived.  Bishop  Miles,  his  father's  uncle,  is 
the  ordainer,  and  the  church  where  Allan  had  been  bap- 
tized, confirmed,  and  where  he  had  received  his  first 
communion,  is  now  to  witness  his  solemn  ordination  vows. 
It  was  indeed  a  blessed  day.  Here  the  mother  saw  the 
crowning  of  the  father's  holy  work  —  here  Father  Mor- 
gan saw  his  own  namesake  set  apart  for  the  very  highest 
of  earthly  callings  —  here  Alice  in  her  weakness  was 
able  to  come  during  the  ordination  service  only,  that  in 
God's  dear  house  she  might  join  her  prayers  with  the 
church  militant  for  the  dear  brother  buckling  on  the 
armor  of  a  youthful  soldier  of  the  cross.  And  here 
Agnes  Sherwood  lifted  up  her  woman's  heart  of  deep 
affection  for  him,  wkh  whom  she  hoped  to  share  life's 
joys,  and  cares,  and  trials,  and  eternity's  unspeakable 
and  endless  bliss. 

Oh,  these  blessed  communion-days !  when  we  gather 
as  one  family  around  the  table  of  our  Lord  and  Master, 


334  WBSTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

to  feed  upon  the  heavenly  manna  of  his  blessed  passion. 
How  we  miss  the  dear  ones  from  our  side,  as  year  bj 
year  one  and  another  have  passed  away  to  the  church 
tiiumphant.  It  was  so  on  this  occasion ;  for  here  was  the 
dear  family  of  the  parsonage,  but  the  sainted  rector  was 
absent.  Here  was  dear  old  Father  Morgan ;  but  who 
could  say  how  soon  the  aged  head,  crowned  with  its  halo 
of  silver  locks,  might  too  be  called  hence.  And  sweet, 
fading  Alice  —  in  their  heart  of  hearts,  each  one  felt  as 
they  looked  at  the  ethereal  shadow,  lovely  still  in  its 
look  of  saintliness,  that  this  was  indeed  her  last  com- 
munion in  the  church  militant.  The  solemn  service  is 
ended,  and  as  Alice  passes  out  of  the  church-door,  she 
said,  in  trembling  tones:  "Stop  one  moment:  let  me  look 
once- more  on  the  dear  old  church." 

Turning  the  carriage  that  she  might  be  gratified,  she 
looked  sweetly,  sadly  all  around,  from  ceiling  to  carpeted 
aisles,  from  organ  to  chancel,  pulpit,  reading-desk,  and 
communion  table  —  from  pew  to  pew ;  and  waving  her 
shadowy  hand,  she  said :  "  Farewell !  dear,  dear  St. 
Barnabas'.  God  bless  my  father's  church.  God  bless 
its  pastor  and  its  dear  people,  and  bring  us  all  home  to 
the  church  triumphant." 

Just  then,  Allan,  accompanied  by  Father  Morgan, 
came  down  the  aisle. 

"  This  is  a  happy  day,  dear  brother.  I  wonder  if 
papa  "  —  she  could  say  no  more,  for  feeling  choked  her 
utterance. 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  335 

Father  Morgan  spoke :  "  He  is  among  the  spirits  of 
the  just  made  perfect,  Alice;  and  if  they  do  indeed  visit 
this  lower  earth,  he  is  here  to-day." 

"  W«  are  a  blessed  family,  dear  father,"  said  the  inva 
lid.  "  All  partaken  01  the  hopes  of  the  Gospel,  except 
dear  Warren,  and  I  feel  that  he  will  join  us  in  our 
march  heavenward." 

"  A.nd  so  do  I,  Alice,"  was  the  good  man's  reply. 

While  the  soft,  low  strains  of  the  organ  still  fell  upon 
the  ear,  the  little  carriage  passed  slowly  out,  followed  by 
a  deeply  moved  company,  who  felt  that  this  was  th«? 
«weet  sufferer's  farewell  visit  to  St.  Barnabas'. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

8UNBISE. 
"  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints.' 

A  LICE  is  fading  rapidly  now,  is  not  able  to  ride  out 
•£*•  at  all,  and  subject  to  terrible  attacks  of  spasms, 
when  drops  of  perspiration  as  large  as  peas  are  forced 
out  upon  her  skin  by  these  paroxysms  of  suffering. 
But  not  one  word  of  murmuring  ever  escaped  her  lips. 
With  hands  clasped  and  eyes  turned  heavenward,  she 
would  lay  for  many  minutes,  the  large  tears  falling  over 
her  pallid  face;  and  the  sweet,  low  voice  comforting 
her  mother  and  sisters,  who  witnessed  these  agonizing 
spasms.  Sometimes  she  would  press  mamma's  dear 
hand  to  her  lips,  and  kissing  it,  would  say : 

"Don't  weep  so,  mamma.  Jesus  comforts  me.  He 
gives  me  grace  to  be  patient ;  and  I  have  so  many, 
many  blessings !  It  can't  be  long,  mamma,  and  then 
comes  the  'joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.'  " 

Mrs.  Sherwood  and  Agnes  are  untiring  in  their  devo- 
tion, coming  daily  with  their  delicacies,  never  without 
flowrrs. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  337 

me,"  she  would  say.  "  They,  speak  such  a  language  of 
love  to  weary  sufferers ;  for  if  God  bestows  such  care 
upo/j  these  perishing  flowers,  Agnes,  how  much  more  will 
He  lake  care  of  me,  His  weak  and  suffering  child." 

Mrs.  Murray,  the  young  rector's  wife,  is  very  good 
too,  coming  daily,  or  sending  the  flowers  that  Alice 
loves.  When  she  has  intervals  of  ease,  the  humble 
people,  whom  she  has  so  often  benefited,  seek  her  couch. 

Dan  Galway,  the  man  that  she  met  in  the  lane  and 
reproved  so  sweetly  for  blasphemy,  is  one  of  her  most 
frequent  visitors.  Perhaps  no  scene  around  that  couch 
of  suffering  is  more  affecting  than  the  sight  of  this 
rough,  strong  man,  sitting  with  his  face  buried  in  his 
hands,  his  breast  heaving  with  sobs,  listening  to  the 
kind  and  faithful  words  that  fall  from  those  pale  and 
trembling  lips. 

"You  have  kept  your  pledge,  Dan,  I  hope,"  said 
Alice.  "  You  know  that  you  signed  it  here,  my  friend, 
in  the  sight  of  Heaven." 

"  I  have  not  touched  a  drop  since  that  day,  miss ;  and 
we  have  some  comfort  now.  I  bought  my  old  woman  a 
gown  last  week,  and  it  would  have  done  your  heart 
good  to  see  how  glad  she  was." 

"  Remember,  Dan,  that  you  cannot  keep  your  prom- 
ises in  your  own  strength.  You  must  seek  God's  help, 
and  become  His  servant." 

"  I  am  trying,  miss." 

"  I  can't  talk  any  more  now,  Dan.     Good-by." 
29  W 


338  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE, 

"  Good-by,  miss.     God  bless  you  foriver  and  iver !  '' 

Aunty  Miller  and  Robert  Jordan,  too,  come  for  tt.eu 
words  of  counsel.  Nor  is  the  sweet  ministry  of  Alic* 
Hastings  confined  to  the  children  of  the  poor ;  for  even 
Bishop  Miles  says  that  he  has  learned  many  a  lesson  ol 
holy  patience  from  that  gentle  sufferer;  and  Mr.  Murray 
says  that  he  always  feels  as  if  he  had  been  inside  of  the 
gate  of  heaven  when  he  comes  from  the  couch  of  Alice 
Hastings ;  for  many  a  holy  text  has  he  learned  there. 
She  has  been  a  sufferer  for  eleven  years ;  but  her  holy 
ministry  is  nearly  ended,  and  Alice  feels  that  it  is  so. 

Allan  is  engaged  to  go  out  West  as  assistant  minister  in 
an  important  parish,  and  is  to  be  married  in  the  autumn, 
ere  he  leaves.  He  has  just  told  Alice,  who  lay  quiet  for 
a  minute,  and  then  spoke  : 

"  I  did  want  to  see  you  married,  Allan,"  said  hi  .< 
sister ;  "  but  I  shall  not  be  here  in  the  autumn.  1  have 
just  one  request  to  make.  Ere  I  become  very  weak, 
can't  you  and  Margaret  be  married  by  my  couch  ?  Then 
I  could  be  at  the  wedding." 

"  I  will  see,  dear  sister.  I  have  no  objections  to 
offer." 

Anxious  to  grant  every  request,  all  parties  gave  con- 
tent, Agnes  willing  to  depart  from  etiquette  to  oblige 
the  patient  sufferer. 

Father  Morgan  bestowed  a  handsome  marriage-dowry 
on  his  namesake ;  and  a  very  quiet  wedding  was  solem- 
uized  in  the  family  parlor.  The  Laceyt>,  the  Arnolds, 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  339 

and  the  Warren  family  from  New  York,  are  the  only 
guests. 

Clad  in  a  soft,  white  muslin  wrapper,  with  a  few  white 
flowers  in  her  hair,  which  lay  in  light  ringlets  around 
her  face,  a  small  bouquet  in  her  almost  transparent 
hand,  Alice  looked  almost  like  an  inhabitant  of  another 
world,  so  pure,  so  holy,  so  seraphic  was  her  whole  ap- 
pearance. Propped  up  in  her  couch,  she  gazed  around 
her  with  an  expression  of  deep,  unutterable  love  on  the 
laces  of  the  dear  members  of  her  household,  about  to 
take  the  solemn  vows  of  marriage.  Clad  in  their  white 
marriage-robes,  they  entered  the  parlor,  Margaret  in  her 
ripe  womanhood  on  the  arm  of  Dr.  Arnold,  followed  by 
Allan  and  sweet  Agnes  Sherwood,  never  more  lovely  in 
appearance  than  on  her  wedding-day. 

Bishop  Miles  performed  the  marriage  ceremony,  and 
Father  Morgan  gave  the  brides  away.  It  was  indeed  a 
solemn  service,  and  at  its  conclusion,  Alice  motioned  to 
Margaret  and  Dr.  Arnold  to  draw  near. 

"  God  forever  bless  my  brother  and  my  sister  Marga- 
ret, and  bring  them  safely  to  His  everlasting  kingdom." 
Drawing  them  down,  she  kissed  them  both,  and  laid  a 
gold  medallion  in  Margaret's  hand,  adding:  "This  ia 
my  little  gift,  dear;  it  will  remind  you  of  Alice  when  she 
is  with  the  angels. 

"  Now  come,  Allan,"  she  continued.  "  May  God  for- 
ever bless  you  with  his  richest  love,  and  give  you  many 
stars  in  the  crown  of  your  rejoicing ;  and  you,  deal 


340  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

Agnes,  may  he  give  you  grace  to  be  a  faithful  help-mee* 
in  the  Lord  to  my  precious  brother."  Kissing  both,  she 
added,  laying  a  medallion  in  Agnes'  hand  :  "  There  ia 
my  little  gift,  dear  sister :  cherish  it  for  the  sake  of 
Alice." 

No  gift  could  have  been  more  valuable,  for  the  like- 
ness had  been  taken  ere  the  sufferer  had  become  so  much 
emaciated,  and  on  the  back  of  each  was  a  lock  of  her 
own  beautiful  hair. 

"  Almost  angelic !  "  said  Agnes,  as  she  was  looking  at 
the  sweet  face  when  alone  with  Allan. 

"She  has  seemed  like  one  of  those  blessed  ones  for 
months,"  said  Allan,  in  reply.  "  Truly  we  shall  all 
miss  that  holy  presence,  although  we  should  not  desire 
her  to  remain  in  such  a  broken,  suffering  frame." 

Allan  is  going  to  Englesby  Terrace  to  stay  until  the 
time  of  entering  upon  his  field  of  labor,  and  Margaret 
to  Little  Rugby. 

"  You  will  be  very  near,"  said  Alice,  as  she  kissed  the 
two, "  and  I  can  see  you  every  day :  you  must  be  sure  to 
come." 

Lucy  is  seventeen  now,  old  enough  to  be  very  useful 
to  her  mother ;  but  Margaret  had  been  so  much  of  a 
companion,  that  her  absence  was  painfully  felt  in  the 
home  circle. 

George  Vincent  has  fully  recovered,  and  is  ready  to 
take  a  new  charge  as  soon  as  confidence  is  once  more 
established. 


WESTBBOOB:  PARSONAGE.          341 

Dr.  Lacey  warns  the  mother  of  a  speedy  removal  of 
her  beloved  child.  Margaret  is  therefore  much  at  home, 
and  Warren  very  frequently  in  the  anxious  circle. 
Very  sweet  and  holy  are  these  solemn  hours ;  for  no 
common  tie  unites  Warren  and  his  sister  Alice.  We 
will  take  a  seat  near  them  at  one  of  these  tender  inter- 
views. -The  invalid  is  propped  up,  Warren's  arm  encir- 
cling the  frail  form,  her  head  reclining  on  her  brother's 
breast. 

"  We  have  passed  a  very  happy  life  together,"  said 
Alice,  "  you  have  been  such  a  tender,  affectionate  bro- 
ther. I  could  not  bear  to  think  that  we  may  not  dwell 
together  in  the  world  to  come.  Do  you  ever  think  of  it, 
Warren?" 

"  I  must  be  truthful  now,  Alice,  and  own  that  the 
painful  thought  does  sometimes  cross  my  mind ;  but  I 
am  not  what  I  used  to  be.  Since  our  father  died,  the 
thoughts  of  eternity  and  its  solemn  realities  are  never 
absent  from  my  mind,  and  the  daily  texts  are  them- 
selves an  ever-present  gospel.  For  many  years,  Alice,  I 
was  encircled  by  a  bristling  fort  of  bayonets:  you  can 
never  know,  dear,  how  powerful  the  little  shadowy  hand 
has  been  in  brushing  them  all  away." 

The  tears  were  streaming  over  the  sweet,  pale  face 
now,  as  she  said :  "  Warren,  I  am  happy  now ;  this  is 
all  that  I  lacked  in  my  cup  of  thankfulness." 

"  My  former  skepticism  always  had  its  seat  in  the 

heart,  dear,  for  I  was  too  proud  to  be  saved  in  the  same 
29* 


342  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

way  as  the  common  herd  of  guilty  criminals ;  but  now  I 
can  sing : 

'Jesus  sought  me  when  a  stranger, 

Wandering  from  the  fold  of  God; 
He,  to  save  my  soul  from  danger, 
Did  redeem  me  with  his  blood.' " 

Alice  lay  still  a  moment,  and  then  said,  slowly  and 
solemnly:  "A  family  in  heaven,  Warren;  what  blessed, 
holy  hopes  are  ours ! " 

Very  rapidly  now  the  silver  cord  was  loosened.  The 
mother  and  Margaret,  Mrs.  Sherwood  and  Agnes,  took 
turns  in  watching  by  the  departing  saint.  It  has  been 
a  day  of  great  suffering ;  but  the  evening  brought  relief, 
and  through  the  silent  night  the  little  feet  were  buffet- 
ing with  the  waters  of  Jordan.  Toward  the  dawn  of 
day,  she  revived  once  more,  and  whispered :  "  Put  aside 
the  curtains,  mamma,  that  I  may  see  the  glorious  sunrise 
once  more ;  it  is  my  last  on  earth  —  another  morning, 
and  I  shall  wake  in  the  presence  of  my  blessed  Saviour, 
and  be  with  my  dear,  my  precious  father.  Do  not  weep, 
my  dearest  mamma :  think  how  blessed  I  shall  be.  No 
more  pain ;  no  more  tears;  no  more  sin  and  sorrow — and 
then  we  all  hope  to  meet  there  in  that  h»  ,py  land,  to 
part  no  more  —  no  more  —  " 

Leaning  upon  her  mother's  bosom,  her  dying  gaze 
fixed  upon  the  glorious  sunrise,  which  now  flooded  the 
garden  with  his  morning  beams,  Alice  Hastings  passed 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  343 

away  to  the  land  whose  sun  never  more  goes  down 
behind  the  everlasting  hills  of  the  heavenly  city. 

It  is  the  day  of  the  funeral;  and,  arrayed  for  the 
grave,  Alice  Hastings  seemed  too  lovely  for  the  silent 
tomb.  Beloved  by  so  many,  the  sweet  remains  were 
strewn  with  pure  white  flowers,  and  lay  in  the  parlor  all 
day,  visited  by  her  father's  parishioners.  Warren  is 
there  with  his  mother. 

"  You  remember  my  dreams  of  fame,  mamma,"  said 
her  son.  "They  all  vanished  by  the  bedside  of  that 
sweet  saint,  never  to  return  again.  I  have  only  one  am- 
bition now,  and  that  is  to  serve  my  Lord  and  Master  in 
any  station  that  He  may  appoint.  This  has  been  no 
sudden  change,  dear  mamma.  Ever  since  papa's  de- 
parture, the  world  and  its  allurements  have  lost  their 
charms.  Fame  is  an  empty  cheat ;  and  there  is  nothing 
real,  nothing  true  but  heaven." 

Very  touching  and  impressive  were  the  whispered 
words  around  those  pale  relics,  each  one  having  some- 
thing to  tell  of  little  notes,  or  kind  benefactions,  or 
gentle  admonitions.  One  poor  woman  stood  there  sob- 
bing with  real  grief:  it  was  the  wife  of  Dan  Gal  way. 

"  An'  shure  she  was  the  good  angel  that  took  my  hus- 
band by  the  hand,  and  made  him  sign  the  pledge.  He  'a 
niver  touched  a  drap  since  that  day.  God  bless  the 
dear  saint ! " 

Others  told  how  she  had  taught  their  girls  on  Satur- 
day afternoon,  until  she  got  too  weak  to  labor  any  more. 


344  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

AJi !  here  are  two  little  girls,  each  with  a  bunch  of  sweet 
flowers  to  lay  upon  the  coffin.  Taking  the  cold  hands 
between  their  own,  they  rained  floods  of  tears  upon 
them,  remembering  how  many  kind  acts  those  pale 
hands  had  done  for  them  in  days  gone  by.  Thus  closed 
the  gentle  ministry  of  this  saintly  sufferer,  perhaps  more 
useful  in  her  weakness  than  many  a  professing  Christian 
in  full  health. 

The  bells  of  St.  Barnabas'  are  muffled  once  more  as 
the  solemn  procession  enters  the  church. 

"  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  though  after 
my  skin  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my  flesh  shall 
I  see  God." 

For  how  many  centuries  have  these  blessed  words 
poured  their  flood  of  light  into  the  graves  of  beloved 
kindred,  illumining  their  darkness,  and  filling  the  hearts 
of  mourners  with  hopes  full  of  immortality !  So  it  was 
now,  as  the  slow  footsteps  followed  the  dear  remains  of 
Alice  Hastings  up  the  aisles  of  St.  Barnabas'. 

Very  sweet  and  touching  was  the  funeral  hymn : 

"  Hear  what  the  voice  from  heaven  declares 

To  those  in  Christ  who  die; 
Released  from  all  their  earthly  cares, 
They  dwell  with  Him  on  high." 

By  the  side  of  her  beloved  father  they  laid  the  pre- 
cious dust,  in  the  glorious  hope  of  a  blessed  resurrection. 
Perhaps  none  are  so  much  missed  from  a  household 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  345 

as  those  who  require  so  much  care  and  tenderness ;  for 
when  the  couch  where  Alice  had  lain  so  many  years  was 
really  put  out  of  sight,  then  it  was  that  the  great  void 
Jeft  behind  was  truly  felt  in  the  household.  After  a  few 
days,  her  papers  were  all  locked  up ;  but  the  pictures, 
books,  and  pretty  ornaments  all  remained  —  her  own 
sweet  picture,  that  Mrs.  Sherwood  had  secured  before 
she  became  so  very  much  emaciated,  hanging  on  the 
wall. 

There  is  to  be  the  first  confirmation  under  the  new 
rector  very  shortly ;  and  Warren  remains,  that  he  may 
join  the  company.  Many  an  eye  was  wet  with  tears  of 
joy,  and  many  a  heart  went  up  in  earnest  prayer,  as  the 
manly  form  of  Warren  Hastings  advanced  to  the  chan- 
cel; for  the  people  knew  how  the  father's  heart  had 
yearned  over  this  precious  son.  Father  Morgan  grasped 
his  hand  after  the  services,  and,  with  a  quivering  voice, 
said : 

"  God  bless  you,  Warren  Hastings,  and  make  you  a 
burning  and  a  shining  layman  in  the  Church  of  our 
Redeemer ! " 

Warren  is  at  Little  Rugby  ere  he  returns  to  the  city ; 
and  pacing  the  students'  walk  are  two  figures — the 
young  man  and  his  beloved  preceptor,  as  in  the  days  of 
boyhood,  with  arras  encircling  each  other's  waist.  It 
is  an  interview  full  of  interest ;  for  Warren  is  telling  the 
way  that  the  Lord  has  led  him,  and  Dr.  Arnold  is  list- 
ening with  a  full  heart. 


346  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

"  Uo  you  remember  the  tryst  appointed  on  the  Adiron 
dacks  ? "  said  the  young  man.  "  One  can  scarcely  realize 
that  nearly  ten  years  have  rolled  away  since  that  day. 
As  it  is  so  near,  I  will  wait  until  we  summon  all  the 
company." 

"You  are  twenty-five  now,  Warren,"  said  his  friend. 
"  What  do  you  propose  in  the  future  ?  " 

"  To  serve  God  in  my  vocation  as  a  Christian  lawyer ; 
and  in  a  place  like  New  York  I  can  find  a  large  field, 
where  I  can  labor  in  the  Church  of  our  Lord." 

In  a  few  days,  the  mountain  travellers  have  all 
arrived  at  Little  Rugby.  Their  meeting  was  in  the 
students'  walk,  where  they  were  warmly  greeted  by 
Dr.  Arnold. 

"Our  tryst  was  appointed  among  the  trees  of  the 
Adirondacks,"  said  the  professor,  "  and  it  seems  appro- 
priate that  it  should  be  kept  amid  the  shades  of  Little 
Rugby.  How  well  do  I  remember  that  summer  day, 
the  happy  company  stretched  out  upon  the  grass,  each 
sanguine  boy  so  full  of  joyous  anticipations.  Ten 
years  have  passed  since  that  period ;  and  the  youth  who 
made  that  appointment  are  all  men  now,  ready  to  relate 
something  of  the  inner  life  of  those  passing  years.  Now, 
Harry,  let  us  hear  your  experience." 

The  elder  Seymour  was  now  twenty-five,  and  yet  he 
looked  like  thirty  —  his  face  bearing  the  marks  of  dissi- 
pation ;  his  hair  thin  and  scattered ;  his  whole  aspect 
that  of  one  who  had  drained  the  cup  of  sensuality. 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  347 

There   was    no   look  of   triumph   as    the  young  man 
spoke : 

"  I  have  attained  what  I  then  desired  —  live  in  the 
first  style  in  a  suit  of  rooms  at  the  Metropolitan  ;  drive 
fast  horses  and  fine  carriages;  have  my  box  at  the  opera, 
another  at  the  theatre ;  am  a  member  of  the  leading 
club  of  the  metropolis;  am  invited  to  all  the  gay  balls 
of  Upper  Tend om,  and  have  everything  that  the  world 
can  give ;  but  a  broken,  shattered  constitution  forbids 
enjoyment ;  and  to  speak  truly,  sometimes  I  envy  even 
the  waiters  at  the  hotel  in  their  freedom  from  care,  their 
robust  health,  and  easy  life." 

"  I  see,  Harry  Seymour,  that  you  have  learned  the 
truth  of  the  proverb  of  the  wise  man,  when  he  declared : 
'  Vanity  of  vanities,  all  is  vanity ! ' ' 

Then  George  arose:  "I  too  have  reached  the  sum- 
mit of  my  ambition ;  but  I  am  not  ready  yet  to  agree 
with  the  wise  man,  for  I  find  in  the  excitement  of  the 
gold-room  enough  to  satisfy  my  desires :  when  I  own 
two  millions,  I  shall  then  lay  out  my  plans  for  the 
enjoyment  of  my  gains." 

"  And  you  call  this,  George  Seymour,  the  life  of  an 
immortal?"  said  the  professor,  with  a  sad  look  upon  his 
fine  countenance. 

Then  spoke  Allan  Hastings:  "I  remember  my  wish," 
said  the  young  minister.  "To  be  just  as  useful  and  good 
as  my  father.  It  would  be  a  most  immodest  declaration 
to  say,  that  I  have  reached  what  I  then  desired  ;  but  I 


348  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

am  striving  to  follow  in  his  blessed  footsteps,  have 
chosen  his  high  and  holy  calling,  and  find  God's  service 
my  delight.  Thus  far  I  have  been  greatly  blessed  in  the 
companion  which  my  Father  has  given  me ;  and  am 
looking  forward  to  a  life  spent  together  in  loving  and 
serving  our  Divine  Master." 

"  A  wise  and  blessed  choice,  dear  Allan,"  said  Dr. 
Arnold ;  "  full  of  peace  here,  and  unspeakable  joy  here- 
after." 

And  now  spoke  Archie  Murray :  "  It  was  an  humble 
lot  that  I  desired,"  said  the  young  man;  "likely  to  be 
fulfilled ;  for  as  soon  as  I  am  ordained,  I  shall  take 
charge  of  St.  John's  over  the  hill,  and  sister  Annie 
shall  be  my  housekeeper.  I  desire  nothing  more — just 
such  a  field  as  I  should  wish  to  cultivate :  it  is  an  hum- 
ble, but  a  happy  lot,  for  I  shall  be  serving  my  Lord  and 
Master." 

All  eyes  now  turned  upon  Warren  Hastings : 

"  You  all  remember  the  proud  boy  that  longed  for 
fame,  desiring  to  make  his  mark  in  the  world.  Those 
dreams  have  vanished  like  the  mist  of  the  morning ; 
and  brighter,  holier  aspirations  fill  the  vision  of  my 
wiser  hours.  With  the  departing  spirit  of  my  sainted 
sister  Alice,  the  last  dream  fled  away ;  and  now  I  am 

ready  to  buckle  on  my  armor  in   the  service  of  my 

• 
Lord  and  Master.    Henceforward,  I  am  His,  and  His 

only." 
Dr.  Arnold  had  sat  with  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the 


WEST  BROOK     VARSONAGE.  349 

earnest  speaker,  every  now  and  then  wiping  away  the 
moisture  that  would  come.  Warren  sat  down,  and  the 
good  man  followed :  "  God  speed  you,  my  beloved  pupils, 
in  your  heavenward  march ;  you  have  chosen  a  wise 
and  holy  life ;  it  will  bring  peace  and  usefulness  here, 
and  glory  and  immortality  hereafter." 

Ere  the  Seymours  returned  to  New  York,  the  good 
man  sought  to  impress  upon  their  minds  the  wretched, 
unsatisfying  nature  of  their  pursuits.  They  listened 
attentively,  for  they  respected  their  former  preceptor; 
but  they  were  "joined  to  their  idols."  Fearful  destiny! 
if  God  should  let  them  alon*. 

It  is  communion-day  at  St.  Barnabas',  and,  side  by 
side,  Warren  and  his  beloved  preceptor  knelt  at  the 
chancel  to  receive  together  the  emblems  of  a  Saviour's 
dying  love.  It  was  indeed  a  blessed  day,  and  arm  in 
arm  Father  Morgan  and  the  young  man  walked  home 
together,  talking  of  the  things  of  the  kingdom,  and  the 
blessedness  of  his  new-born  hopes.  Once  more  in  the 
office  with  Uncle  Richard,  he  is  daily  wondering  what 
great  change  has  come  over  Warren,  for  "  old  things 
have  passed  away,  and  all  things  have  become  new." 
A  faithful  attendant  upon  the  ministry  of  St.  Matthias', 
he  is  at  once  engaged  in  active  service  for  his  Lord  and 
Master :  not  in  the  high  places  of  the  church,  but 
among  the  most  abandoned,  the  most  neglected,  War- 
ren has  chosen  his  field,  and  by  his  energy  soon  gathers 

around  him  a  band  of  faithful  workers.   Always  decided, 
80 


350  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

bold,  and  manly,  the  same  traits  appear  in  his  aggressive 
Christianity,  and  to  all  Uncle  Richard's  attempts  to 
lead  him  in  the  old  paths  of  worldliness  and  unbelief,  he 
has  the  simple  answer,  nay,  so  that  his  uncle  is  obliged 
to  give  him  up,  with  the  sneer,  that  "  Saul  is  among  the 
prophets."  Staying  at  his  Grandma  Warren's,  the 
change  is  equally  striking;  for  although  his  love  of 
Protestant  truth  is  stronger,  his  charity  is  broader,  and 
the  courtesy  with  which  he  treats  his  aunts'  peculiar 
notions  is  so  marked,  that  they  are  found,  when  alone, 
saying  to  each  other : 

"  I  do  believe  that  there  are  hopes  of  Warren,  sister 
all  his  sharp  remarks  are  laid  aside." 

Neither  was  aware  of  the  strong  ramparts  which  en- 
compassed Warren  Hastings ;  for,  "justified  by  faith, 
he  had  peace  with  God."  And,  from  this  eminence,  he 
had  neither  time  nor  inclination  to  join  in  the  childish 
play  of  processions  and  showy  vestments  and  puerile 
ceremonies. 

To  return  once  more  to  Westbrook :  —  We  find  Allan 
preparing  for  his  new  field  of  labor.  Englesby  Terrace 
is  closed,  and  the  family  are  staying  a  'day  or  two  with 
Mrs.  Hastings  ere  their  departure.  The  dear  circle  is 
diminishing  around  the  widow,  and  she  realizes  now  that 
the  pilgrim's  lot  is  hers  indeed.  One  by  one  the  links 
drop  off.  Three  in  heaven,  three  in  scattered  folds  on 
earth ;  but  the  hope  of  final  reunion  is  ever  bright  — 
when  the  broken  links  shall  all  be  joined  again,  and  the 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  351 

family  chain  be  once  more  complete,  in   the  everlasting 
kingdom  of  the  saints'  inheritance. 

The  last  religious  service  attended  by  Allan  was  the 
ordination  of  Archie  Murray,  who  at  once  took  posses- 
sion of  the  mission  on  the  hill.  To  him  slso  was  con- 
fided the  care  of  Mrs.  Sherwood's  asylum  during  her 
absence  from  Westbrook.  Thus  the  dear  friends  are 
parted,  Margaret  only  within  reach  of  the  family  circle. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

REUNION. 
"  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  as." 

TEN  years  have  passed  away.  Silver  hairs  crown 
Mrs.  Hastings,  who  is  still  an  interesting  woman  in 
her  widow's  cap. 

Mr.  Murray  has  closed  his  earthly  ministry  at  St. 
Barnabas',  and  has  been  succeeded  by  Frederic  Gray,  a 
young  and  gifted  minister,  of  like  sentiments  with  his 
predecessors. 

Allan  Hastings  has  filled  several  important  pulpits  in 
the  diocese  of  Bishop  Melville.  He  has  ministered  with 
great  acceptance,  his  trumpet  never  having  given  an 
uncertain  sound  in  the  serious  controversy  which  has  so 
long  agitated  our  beloved  Church,  and  has  lately  been 
elected  Assistant  Bishop  to  that  good  and  holy  man.  By 
his  own  earnest  request,  the  consecration  is  to  take  place 
at  St.  Barnabas',  at  which  time  there  is  to  be  a  reunion 
of  the  friends  of  Dr.  Hastings  who  are  yet  members  of 
the  church  militant.  The  Bishop  elect,  his  wife,  and 
mother,  are  once  more  domesticated  in  the  dear  family 

circle  ;  and  Warren  and  his  wife  are  there,  too.    Father 

352 


WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE.  353 

Morgan  is  living  still,  but  very  feeble  and  aged.  He  is 
cherished  with  the  love  of  children  by  every  member  of 
that  household. 

The  day  of  consecration  has  arrived,  and  a  deeply 
solemnized  company  are  assembled  at  old  St.  Barnabas' 
Bishop  Melville,  the  defender  of  Protestant  truth  in  the 
Great  West,  is  there ;  and  Bishop  Lysle,  the  bold  cham- 
pion of  the  faith ;  but  Bishop  Miles  has  entered  into  rest. 
Dr.  Nelson,  with  Luther's  spirit;  Thayer,  the  loving 
John ;  Vincent,  fully  restored ;  and  Nichols,  with  his 
silver  trumpet ;  but  Musgrave  and  Winter  and  Harring- 
ton have  joined  the  church  triumphant.  Brown  is  in  a 
foreign  land,  missionary  to  the  heathen  ;  and  the  saintly 
Woodbridge  is  dying.  About  twenty  of  the  former  mem- 
bers of  the  convocation  are  present.  More  than  twenty 
had  entered  the  sacred  ministry  from  the  Church  of  St. 
Barnabas  during  the  life  of  Dr.  Hastings ;  but  they  are  not 
all  here.  Five  have  entered  their  everlasting  rest ;  some 
are  too  distant  or  too  poor  to  undertake  the  journey;  but 
letters  come  from  all  the  absent,  and  only  three  have 
departed  fro^  the  teachings  of  St.  Barnabas'.  All  the 
rest  are  bearing  a  faithful  testimony  in  their  several 
fields  'J  labor  to  simple  Bible  truths.  Many,  too,  of  the 
old  communicants  have  passed  away,  and  great  changes 
are  visible  in  the  dear  old  church ;  but  there  are  those 
present  who  remember  Allan's  boyhood,  and  their  hearts 
are  deeply  stirred  at  the  sight  of  the  man  of  thirty -four, 
somewhat  bald  now,  with  his  meek  and  holy  aspect 
80*  X 


354  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

about  to  take  such  solemn  vows  in  such  momentous 
days.  Not  often  do  such  scenes  as  these  occur  —  uot 
often  that  so  many,  endeared  by  suoh  sacred  ties, 
meet  together  in  their  march  to  heaven;  and  many 
hearts  felt  the  sentiment  of  the  sweet  hymn,  as  the  eye 
took  in  each  familiar  face : 

"Angels,  and  living  saints  and  dead, 

But  one  communion  make: 
All  join  in  Christ,  their  vital  Head, 
And  of  His  love  partake." 

The  music,  the  services,  the  sermon  were  deeply  im- 
pressive, and  the  charge  of  Bishop  Melville  to  the  newly- 
consecrated  Bishop  full  of  power.  Enlarging  upon  the 
dangers  threatening  our  beloved  Church,  he  called  upon 
him  who  stood  before  him  in  his  meek  solemnity  to  see 
that  his  trumpet  gave  no  uncertain  sound,  but  to  con- 
tend manfully,  lovingly,  and  with  the  spirit  of  an 
Apostle,  for  the  "faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints," 
adding: 

"These  are  no  common  days,  beloved.  Great  and 
alarming  errors  threaten  our  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church.  We  are  called  upon  to  withstand  them  with 
the  spirit  that  animated  Cranmer  and  Ridley  and  Lati- 
mer.  Let  us  pray  much,  watch  earnestly,  wait  patiently 
for  the  Moses  that  God  may  send.  Let  us  not  move 
before  he  gives  the  order ;  but  when  he  does,  without 
question,  without  delay,  go  forward  ;  and  God  will  be 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  355 

with  His  own  cause  —  not,  perhaps,  with  the  great  mul 
titude,  but  certainly  with  the  little  flock." 

Many  deeply  affected  listeners  are  in  that  densely 
crowded  church  ;  but  none  more  deeply  solemnized  than 
two  ladies  in  deep  mourning,  who  occupy  a  pew  near  the 
chancel.  One  is  elderly,  the  other  is  no  longer  young  ; 
but  there  is  such  an  expression  of  sanctified  affliction 
upon  the  face  of  the  latter  as  touches  the  heart  at  once. 
It  is  Agnes  Hastings,  the  wife  of  the  newly-consecrated 
Bishop,  clad  in  the  weeds  of  mourning  for  two  dear 
children,  whom  they  have  recently  consigned  to  the 
silent  tomb,  leaving  her  now  childless ;  but  she  is  a  very 
useful  Christian,  laboring  wherever  her  husband's  lot 
has  been  cast  in  the  service  of  her  Lord  and  Master. 

After  church,  Father  Morgan,  taking  Allan's  arm, 
walked  slowly  down  the  aisle,  and  out  to  the  graves  of 
the  beloved,  followed  by  all  the  clergy  who  were  the 
friends  of  Dr.  Hastings.  In  silence  they  stood  around 
the  enclosure ;  and  Father  Morgan  said,  solemnly : 
"  Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,  brethren : 
let  us  follow  the  departed  as  he  followed  Christ." 

On  the  following  Monday,  the  party  separated  once 
more  —  Allan,  with  Bishop  Melville,  to  his  new  field  of 
labor,  and  other  brethren  to  their  respective  posts. 
Warren  is  a  noble  Christian  layman  in  New  York  city, 
using  his  bright  talents  for  his  Lord  and  Master, 
rejoicing  in  "the  liberty  wherewith  Christ  has  made 
Him  free." 


356  WESTBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

In  another  year,  we  find  Lucy  at  the  parsonage  <uice 
more  as  the  wife  of  the  new  minister ;  and  Mrs.  Hast- 
ings in  hearing  of  the  chimes  of  St.  Barnabas',  in  sight 
of  her  lamented  husband's  study.  By  especial  request, 
Lucy  was  married  on  Easter-eve ;  for  the  mother  has 
learned  to  connect  important  events  with  that  glorious 
season.  She  watches  year  by  year  the  same  paschal 
moon,  and  remembers  the  eve  of  her  wedding-day  be- 
neath its  placid  light,  the  eve  when  her  husband's 
remains  lay  in  the  sorrowing  parsonage,  and  the  eve 
before  her  departure  to  another  home. 

Father  Morgan  is  still  an  inmate  with  the  family ;  for 
he  is  one  of  them  in  every  sense  but  relationship.  Every 
fine  day  he  may  be  seen,  leaning  on  the  arm  of  Mrs. 
Hastings,  walking  in  the  orchard  for  exercise ;  and,  in 
the  sweet  spring-time,  a  group  of  little  children  are 
sporting  in  the  orchard  again,  plucking  the  fragrant 
apple-blossoms,  while  their  elders  watch  their  plays. 

And  so  the  grand-children  of  the  former  rector  gam- 
bol beneath  the  same  green  trees  as  did  their  parents  — 
Emily  and  Alice  Arnold  on  every  fine  day  visiting  :he 
parsonage;  for  they  love  to  sit  on  Father  Morgan's  lap, 
listening  with  earnest  faces  to  his  stories  about  Grandpa 
Hastings  and  Aunt  Alice,  whose  holy  lives  are  a 
blessed  legacy  to  the  little  ones. 

Warren  is  indeed  a  noble  layman,  using  his  fine  tal- 
ents in  the  service  of  his  Master,  and  Edward  side  by 
«ide  in  the  same  good  and  holy  cause.  St.  Barnabas'  is 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAQE.  367 

yet  a  noble  witness  for  the  truth  —  its  talented  young 
minister  sounding  a  clear  trumpet  from  its  sacred  pulpit. 

Mr.  Moncrief  is  still  following  after  the  fossils  of  a 
defunct  theology,  dispensing  chaff  instead  of  the  chil- 
dren's bread ;  and  yet  the  Judgment  is  speeding  on. 
What  will  be  the  record  when  the  Saviour  comes  to  try 
men's  faith  ? 

Gertrude  and  Helen  Warren  are  in  the  sere  and  yel- 
low leaf,  still  devoted  to  the  fopperies  of  ritualism ;  the 
Seymours  worn  out  in  the  service  of  a  cheating  world 
—  sensual,  soured,  disappointed;  Dr.  Arnold  and  Mar- 
garet at  Little  Rugby,  filling  up  the  hours  of  useful, 
happy  lives;  and  Archie  Murray  at  St.  John's  over  the 
hill,  laboring  among  the  poor  and  neglected,  gathering 
around  him  an  humble,  devoted  flock  of  Christians. 

The  figures  moving  over  these  pages  are  not  all  ima- 
ginary ;  for  they  are  representative  men  and  women  of 
a  class  living  around  us.  We  are  bidding  them  fare- 
well ;  but  they  do  not  vanish  with  our  waking  dreams. 
They  are  breathing,  moving,  acting  moral  agents  in  a 
world  that  is  to  pass  away  —  their  works  to  remain  for- 
ever. It  is  sorrowful  to  see  so  much  energy,  talent,  and 
worth  bestowed  upon  such  trifling,  while  above,  around 
us,  everywhere  is  such  a  treasury  of  boundless  grace 
and  mercy. 

It  is  as  though  a  shower  of  heavenly  manna  were 
falling  daily  at  the  very  door  of  our  tents,  and  we  should 
crush  it  under  our  feet,  or  pass  it  by,  to  search  in 


3.*>8  WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE. 

the  desert  of  Sahara  for  living  water  and  the  bread  of 
henveu.  Full  and  free  justification  from  all  the  accusa- 
tions of  sin  is  offered  to  us  through  Jesus  our  substitute. 
This  is  the  heavenly  manna;  and  ritualism  offers  a  series  of 
fasting,  and  penance,  and  painful,  weary  watching.  This 
is  an  apple  from  the  Dead  Sea.  Adoption  into  the  family 
of  God  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus  is  the  gift  of  free  grace. 
This  too  is  heavenly  manna;  and  ritualism  offers  the 
baptismal  waters  which  fail  to  give  the  sweet  assurance 
which  the  soul  needs.  This  too  is  an  apple  from  the  Dead 
Sea.  Gracious  access  to  a  throne  of  grace  through  the 
one  Great  High-Priest  is  the  great  privilege  of  the  Gos- 
pel—  precious,  heavenly  manna!  and  ritualism  dresses 
up  a  man  in  priestly  vestments,  who  leads  the  soul  to  an 
imaginary  altar,  and  a  bloodless  sacrifice  thereon,  who 
tells  the  weary  pilgrim  that  it  is  only  through  a  human 
priesthood  that  the  soul  eains  aocess  to  the  mercy-seat. 
This  truly  is  an  apple  of  the  Dead  Sea  I  The  immortal, 
deathless  soul  wants  something  more  than  this.  It  wants 
a  conscious  interest  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  "  which 
hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both  sure  and 
steadfast,  and  which  entereth  into  that  within  the  veil." 

To  all  these  modern  teachers  of  a  buried  theology 
it  cries  out,  perhaps  unconsciously :  "  Sirs,  we  would  see 
Jesus !  "  —  Jesus  in  all  His  offices,  Jesus  in  His  blessed 
life,  Jesus  in  His  atoning  death,  Jesus  on  His  mediato- 
rial throne,  Jesus  and  nothing  else ! 

What  shall  we  say  then  to  that  ambassador  of  Christ. 


WE8TBROOK     PARSONAGE.  359 

who  holds  up  a  screen  between  the  beseeching  soul  and 
its  Redeemer;  and  when  he  asks  for  Jesus,  gives  him 
incense,  pleasant  hymns,  solemn  dramas,  imposing  pro- 
cessions, and  a  human,  fallible  priest  ?  To  such,  in  the 
name  of  every  redeemed  soul  for  whom  the  Savioui 
died,  we  conclude  with  that  language  of  entreaty:  "Sir 
ire  would  see  Jesus!  "  —  it  is  our  heritage,  our  right 


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